PLUG IN PLAY: INNOVATING EDUCATION THROUGH PLAY AND TECHNOLOGY
Imagine a classroom where learning is not just about memorizing facts, but about creating, tinkering, and exploring. This is the magic of the Plug in Play project, implemented by Right To Play with support from the LEGO Foundation. In playful, hands-on lessons, 116,000 students are delving into coding, robotics, and engineering, exploring their creativity, and building essential skills like problem solving, collaboration, and innovation – skills that will help them thrive in school and in life.
These lessons are taught by 1,150 trained teachers who are turning their classrooms into vibrant hubs of creativity and discovery where boys and girls learn and experiment side by side
As part of their class, the students worked together on innovations that address some of the major challenges facing their communities. Watch the videos below to see what they created
REVOLUTIONIZING FOOD STORAGE: LEA'S SMART REFRIGERATOR PROJECT
Grade 5 student Lea combined coding and engineering skills to design a refrigerator that keeps food fresh and safe. Her smart fridge uses sensors to detect when someone approaches and opens automatically, offering a practical solution for homes, schools, hospitals, and hotels.
EFFICIENT WATER MANAGEMENT: CHANTINA'S SMART IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Chantina and her peers developed a smart irrigation system that uses sensors to monitor soil moisture and deliver water efficiently.
CLEAN WATER SOLUTIONS: ANDRE'S INNOVATIVE DISPENSER
Using coding and engineering skills, Andre and his peers created a dispenser that can provide clean water in schools, hospitals, and other public spaces.
PROMOTING HYGIENE: ERIC'S SMART HANDWASHING MACHINE
Eric and his team addressed the crucial issue of hygiene by designing an innovative handwashing machine. This smart device, equipped with motion sensors, automatically dispenses water and sanitizer, promoting better hygiene practices and helping to prevent the spread of illness in their community.
ENHANCING ROAD SAFETY: ESTHER'S SMART TRAFFIC LIGHT ROBOT
Esther and her team took on the challenge of improving road safety through creativity and STEM skills. Knowing that many roads in Rwanda lack traffic lights, they created a smart traffic light robot to make crossing streets safer for everyone.
SUPPORTING ACCESSIBILITY: JEANINE'S SMART CANE
Jeanine's team developed a smart cane designed to assist individuals with visual impairments. Equipped with motion sensors, the cane emits a beep when it detects nearby objects, aiding users in navigating their environment more safely.
The Plug in Play (PiP) program is made possible thanks to the support of The LEGO Foundation. Active in Rwanda from 2021-2024, PiP aims to improve the quality of education for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 by learning through play with technology.
