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Lego Games Maths

LEGO Games build challenges maths mission

A practical mini-mission using build challenges to practise constraints through questions, examples and child-friendly challenges.

Quick answer

LEGO Games build challenges maths mission is a fun way to learn about constraints, limits, and problem-solving using LEGO bricks. You'll use your bricks to build things within certain rules, like using exactly 10 bricks, or only red and blue bricks, or making a tower that's exactly 3 bricks tall.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to solve LEGO build challenges that have specific rules or limits, and explain how these rules help you think more carefully about your building choices. Success signs:
  • You can follow a build rule like "use exactly 8 bricks"
  • You can explain why your build follows the rules
  • You can create your own build challenge for a friend
  • You can find more than one way to solve the same challenge

Why this matters

LEGO build challenges teach you important maths skills like:
  • Following rules and limits (like constraints in maths problems)
  • Counting and checking your work
  • Thinking carefully about choices
  • Using patterns and repetition in your builds
  • Working with equal groups (like making towers with 3 bricks each)
These skills help you in school when you have to follow instructions, solve puzzles, or work with rules in maths problems. They also help you be more creative when you're building with LEGO, because you have to think of new ways to make your builds fit the rules.

How it works

A LEGO build challenge is like a game where you have to build something using specific rules. These rules are called constraints. They make your building more interesting and help you practice maths skills. Here's how to solve a LEGO build challenge:
  1. Read the challenge rule carefully
  2. Think of different ways to build using that rule
  3. Build your solution
  4. Check if your build follows the rule
  5. Try to find another way to solve the same challenge

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real LEGO build challenges you can try: Challenge 1: Exactly 5 bricks You must build something using exactly 5 bricks.
  • Try making a tower with 5 bricks
  • Try making a bridge with 5 bricks
  • Try making a car with 5 bricks
Challenge 2: Only 2 colours You must build something using only red and blue bricks.
  • Try making a pattern with red and blue bricks
  • Try making a tower with red and blue bricks alternating
  • Try making a house with red and blue bricks
Challenge 3: Exactly 3 bricks tall You must build a tower that is exactly 3 bricks tall.
  • Try making a tower with 3 bricks
  • Try making a tower with 3 bricks and a roof
  • Try making a tower with 3 bricks and 2 windows

Try it as a mini adventure

LEGO Mission: The Castle Builder You are a castle builder in a kingdom that needs a new fortress! But the king has given you special rules to follow.
  1. First time: Build a tower using exactly 6 bricks
  2. Second time: Build a bridge using exactly 4 bricks
  3. Third time: Build a flag using exactly 2 bricks
  4. Fourth time: Build a wall using exactly 8 bricks
  5. Fifth time: Build a gate using exactly 5 bricks
  6. Sixth time: Build a complete castle with 15 bricks (you can use any shape or design)
For each build, ask yourself: "Did I follow the rule?" If not, try again.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Not reading the rule carefully
    Why it happens: You might be excited to start building and forget to check the challenge.
    Fix: Read the rule out loud before you start building. Ask a friend to check if you're following it.
  • Mistake: Thinking you can use more or fewer bricks than the rule says
    Why it happens: It's easy to lose count or forget the exact number.
    Fix: Count your bricks as you build. If you're not sure, count them again.
  • Mistake: Not trying to find more than one way to solve the challenge
    Why it happens: You might think there's only one way to build something.
    Fix: After you solve a challenge, ask: "Can I build it another way?"
  • Mistake: Building something that looks cool but doesn't follow the rules
    Why it happens: You might be so focused on making something fun that you forget the rules.
    Fix: Before you finish building, check your work against the rule. If it doesn't match, try again.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Reading the challenge rules together with their child
  • Encouraging their child to explain their build and how it follows the rules
  • Helping their child count bricks or check their work
  • Creating their own LEGO challenges for their child to solve
  • Practising with different numbers of bricks (like 3, 7, 10, 12) to make it harder
  • Encouraging their child to find more than one way to solve the same challenge
  • Not being too strict about following rules exactly - focus on learning and creativity
  • Helping their child keep a record of their builds (drawing pictures or writing about them)
Remember: The goal is to have fun and learn about constraints and problem-solving. Don't worry if the builds aren't perfect - the important thing is thinking about the rules and trying different solutions.

Practice questions

Try these LEGO build challenges:
  1. Build something using exactly 9 bricks
  2. Build something using only yellow and green bricks
  3. Build a tower that is exactly 4 bricks tall
  4. Build a bridge using exactly 7 bricks
  5. Build something using exactly 12 bricks
Answers:
  1. Any build using exactly 9 bricks
  2. Any build using only yellow and green bricks
  3. A tower with 4 bricks stacked
  4. A bridge made with exactly 7 bricks
  5. Any build using exactly 12 bricks

FAQ

What is a constraint in a LEGO build challenge?

A constraint is a rule or limit that tells you what you must or must not do. For example, "use exactly 5 bricks" or "only use red and blue bricks."

Why do LEGO build challenges have rules?

Rules make building more interesting and help you practice important skills like counting, following instructions, and solving problems. They also help you think creatively within limits.

Can I make up my own LEGO build challenges?

Yes! Once you understand how to solve challenges, you can create your own. Try rules like "use only 3 bricks", "only use curved bricks", or "build a car that's exactly 2 bricks tall."

How can I get better at LEGO build challenges?

Practice with different rules and numbers of bricks. Try to find more than one way to solve each challenge. Ask yourself questions like "What if I used a different colour?" or "What if I built it upside down?"

Are LEGO build challenges good for learning maths?

Yes! They help with counting, understanding constraints, problem-solving, patterns, and thinking carefully about your choices. These are all important maths skills.