Hands-on Computer Science and AI for K-8: From interest to impact
K-8 teachers see the upside of computer science and AI, but many lack tools that actually engage students. A new report, "Building the Future: A Global Report on Computer Science & AI Education," highlights the gap.
LEGO Education is stepping in with a hands-on solution built for collaboration, creativity, and measurable learning. LEGO Education Computer Science & AI ships starting April 2026 and gives schools a practical path to expand access to CS and AI literacy.
What the report found
- More than half of teachers say current resources leave students bored.
- Nearly half say computer science doesn't feel relatable to students' interests or daily life.
- 69% agree AI literacy is critical for students' futures, yet 40% say their schools aren't ready to teach it responsibly.
Teachers want balance: meaningful screen use, hands-on building, and lessons that connect to real interests. That's the shift this solution targets.
What LEGO Education Computer Science & AI includes
- Grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Students work in groups of four; teachers facilitate.
- Each kit: A stackable box with LEGO bricks, interactive hardware, connection cards, charging cables, and building instructions.
- Coding Canvas: An intuitive, block-based coding experience with word and icon blocks (web browser or iOS app). No student logins; data saves locally.
- Balanced learning: Screen-free activities plus lessons that blend physical builds with digital coding.
- Teacher Portal (free): Getting-started materials, facilitation notes, classroom presentations, and standards-mapped lessons.
- AI literacy, safely: Students build and experiment with AI to understand how it works and how to use it responsibly.
- Extension path: FIRST LEGO League Future Edition deepens learning beyond the classroom.
Availability and pricing
Shipping begins April 2026. Pricing starts at $339.95 per kit, about $84.98 per student. Learn more at LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
A classroom culture shift
"We have a vision for kids learning, building, and coding together-moving away from classrooms where kids work individually on computers with headphones on," said Atish Gonsalves, Head of Product, Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education.
Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience, LEGO Education, added, "AI presents incredible opportunities for learning, but it must be introduced with intention and care... With LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, children engage with AI to build their understanding of how the technology works in a safe and responsible way."
Transition from the SPIKE portfolio
The LEGO Education SPIKE Portfolio (including SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential) will retire. For details and timing, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKE-retirement.
What this means for schools and districts
- Increase access: Offer CS and AI experiences across K-8 with grade-appropriate kits.
- Teach responsibly: Use lessons that prioritize child safety, privacy, and well-being.
- Make it relatable: Connect coding and AI to student interests through building, testing, and iteration.
- Support teachers: Cut prep time with ready-to-use materials and a clear facilitation structure.
Practical steps to get ready
- Review your CS/AI scope and sequence; map to standards using the Teacher Portal resources.
- Plan classroom logistics: groups of four, kit storage, charging routines, and cleanup roles.
- Run a pilot across one grade band, then scale based on feedback and student evidence of learning.
- Schedule PD and collaborative planning using the free online Teacher Portal.
- Confirm device/browser/iOS requirements; note that no student logins are needed and data stays local.
- Extend learning with FIRST LEGO League Future Edition to sustain momentum.
- Set clear goals: engagement, collaboration, and skill growth. Collect artifacts and quick exit tickets to track progress.
Explore the report and classroom options
- Download the global report: LEGOeducation.com/AI.
- Classroom kits and curriculum: LEGOeducation.com/CS-AI.
- FIRST LEGO League Future Edition info: LEGOeducation.com/FLL.
For educators building AI fluency
If you're planning PD or enrichment around AI skills, explore curated learning paths by role at Complete AI Training to complement hands-on classroom work.
Bottom line: bring computer science and AI to life with collaborative builds, meaningful problems, and safe, age-appropriate tools. Students won't just click through tasks-they'll create, test, and think critically together.
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