LEGO Education SPIKE Prime V3 is ideal for educators seeking to enhance STEM skills through robotics, while SEL integrated curricula (CASEL framework) is better suited for those aiming to foster social-emotional development and improve overall academic achievement by integrating SEL into existing programs.
| Attribute | STEM Education with Robotics (LEGO Education SPIKE Prime V3) | Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) integrated curricula (CASEL framework) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Age/Grade Level | Middle school students, ages 10+ (grades 6-8 optimized). Some resources suggest 7-16 years. | Preschool through high school, taking a developmental approach. |
| Curriculum Focus (STEM vs. SEL) | STEM. Accelerates STEAM learning. | SEL is an integral part of education and human development. SEL can be integrated into academic instruction. |
| Core Skill Development | Critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, computational thinking. Efficient problem-solving by breaking down problems into subproblems. | Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making. |
| Hands-on Activity Component | Combines LEGO building elements with programmable hardware and coding. Adaptable building experience. | SEL can be integrated into academic lessons by providing more opportunities for discussing the material and acknowledging how the students feel about it. |
| Technology Integration Level | Integrates hardware (sensors, motors, hub) with drag-and-drop coding (Scratch-based). Supports Python coding. | Information not found in the provided search results. |
| Assessment Methods | Teacher observation checklists and student self-assessment. Standards aligned with instruction. | SEL assessments measure the social-emotional competencies of individuals and groups of students. Assessments typically provide a quantitative score or result, which can be used to compare individual or group students. |
| Teacher Training and Support | Teacher training, getting-started guides, lesson plans, professional development, certified LEGO Education teacher trainers. | Schools address this by providing workshops and training for all staff and giving teachers ready-to-use lessons and materials. |
| Alignment with Educational Standards | Aligned to NGSS, ISTE, and CSTA standards, with extensions aligned to CCSS literacy and math. | Aligned to NGSS, ISTE, and CSTA standards with extensions aligned to CCSS literacy and CCSS math. Aligned well with existing programs. |
| Implementation Flexibility | Classroom, after-school, and home use. Individual or small groups, self-paced. | Social-emotional learning initiatives must be adaptable and inclusive to effectively meet the diverse needs of learners. |
| Cost and Accessibility | SPIKE Prime Set includes 528 elements. Contact a local reseller for specific costs. | Information not found in the provided search results. |
| Evidence-Based Research Support | Curriculum designed to improve student engagement and outcomes. | Hundreds of studies offer consistent evidence that SEL has a positive impact on students' academic achievement. |
| Scalability for Different Class Sizes | Recommended one set for every two students. | Information not found in the provided search results. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |