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STEM BRIDGE CENTER
a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Connected Minds
LEGO Robotics Program for Children Who Benefit from Extra Support
Connected Minds (Formerly SBC Bridge2Build) is a supportive LEGO robotics program for elementary school children who enjoy building, hands-on activities, and learning through play. The program is designed to bring together neurodiverse students who may benefit from community support, a smaller group setting, and a structured, low-pressure environment.
Through FIRST LEGO League Explore, students will build a motorized LEGO model, learn basic programming and engineering concepts, design a themed LEGO exhibit, create a team poster, and practice presenting their work. Along the way, they will develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and social interaction skills.
Connecting Minds offers an inclusive early STEM opportunity for children who may need extra support. Rather than emphasizing competition pressure, the program helps children build confidence, curiosity, and meaningful peer connections through LEGO robotics.
Program Opportunity
We plan to support small adaptive robotics groups. Each group will include approximately 2-3 students and will use FIRST LEGO League Explore learning materials. Materials will be provided through the program.
Each group will meet as a small learning community. Member families will use official online FLL Explore lessons and past FLL Explore materials to guide their sessions.
To help the group run successfully, participating students should have some prior experience in structured group activities, such as extracurricular camps or classes. Because FLL Explore projects involve multi-step building, it is recommended that students have experience completing LEGO sets of approximately 300 pieces, with adult support as needed. Students should also be able to participate safely around peers, LEGO materials, and group projects, with no current patterns of unsafe behavior that would prevent participation in a collaborative setting.
Coaches and Volunteers
We have experience supporting student robotics teams at different levels.
We plan to invite robotics mentors to help guide the groups. These mentors have experience managing and coaching FLL or FTC teams, including award-winning teams. They can provide guidance on robotics learning, team organization, and competition opportunities.
Families may also invite high school student volunteers to join meetings and serve as role models for teamwork and peer support. STEM Bridge Center can provide volunteer-hour documentation for participating student volunteers, and company volunteer-hour matching may also be available depending on the employer’s program.
Locations and Schedule
Meeting arrangements are flexible and fully depend on each group. Meetings may take place at a public library meeting room, STEM Bridge Center, or another location that families feel is convenient and comfortable.
The final location will depend on group needs, room availability, and family schedules.
Groups will meet once a week. Each session will be about 1.5 hours, depending on the children’s pace and needs. It is recommended that groups complete the introductory course before the robotics competition season begins in August.
New families may first attend one introductory meeting to review the materials, observe the children’s interest, and decide whether the program is a good fit. Families who choose to join are asked to commit to 10 meetings, so the group can work together consistently and make full use of the free program materials.
Learning Activities
Students may choose from past theme materials such as Truck / Cargo, Submarine, Stage Play, or Power Plant.
Learning activities may include:
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Building LEGO models
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Exploring how simple machines, motors, and sensors work
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Trying beginner-level block programming
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Creating a themed LEGO exhibit
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Practicing teamwork and sharing ideas
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Creating a simple team poster or presentation
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Learning through play rather than competition pressure
A typical session may include:
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Introduction to the day’s agenda
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Hands-on building activities
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Turn-taking presentation practice
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Break time
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Basic theory, testing, and observation
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Exchanging subprojects for peer exploration
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Brainstorming and discussion for the themed exhibit
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Task distribution