General

D’NEXt system is a learning environment specially designed for students in Elementary, Junior High schools and High schools that enhances the learning and teaching of science and technology in a social context.

Learning is based on the design process as a didactic problem solving process and involves building models from K'NEX parts, including motors, light and sensors, and programming.

The underlying pedagogical principle of the environment is the claim that children learn better when they are actively engaged in creating and constructing artifacts of their own choice.

Description

D’NEXt system is offered in three types of sets, each set is targeted towards different age group offering specifically tailored subjects for the targeted age group.

Set A Beginners, Grades K-3 ages 5-8
Covers the following subjects:

• Creative-Constructive
• Machines & Mechanisms
• Computer-Controlled Systems

Set B Junior, Grades 4-6 ages 9-11

• Machines & Mechanisms
  
• Energy
  
• Computer-Controlled Systems

Set C Advanced, Grades 7+,ages 12+

• Machines & Mechanisms
  
• Energy
  
• Computer-Controlled Systems

All of the systems contain the following components:

• D’NEXt literature:
  
• For the Teacher
  
• General Introduction
  
• Teacher guides
  
• For the Students
  
• Activity cards
  
• Building instruction cards
  
• Reference Booklets
  
• K’NEX parts including motors, lights and sensors
  
• “TechnoLogica” Control-software
  
• Leonardo computerized interface

Operating Modes

Individual learning In this more all the students perform the same activity simultaneously in a given time period. The set includes all the necessary components for 8 simultaneous workstations, serving approximately 24 students.

Rotative learning In this classroom strategy, students groups rotate through different D’NEXt learning centers, moving from one station to the next once an activity is completed. This configuration accommodates approximately 12 students.