Popular Lego bricks may serve as an effective tool to support mathematics learning, according to research conducted by scientists at the University of Surrey, UK. The experiment showed that simple play with Lego bricks can significantly improve children’s spatial and mathematical abilities. The findings were described in the journal Mind, Brain and Education 

The project involved 409 students aged 6 to 7 years. For six weeks, they participated in the “Spatial Cognition to Enhance mathematical learning” (SPACE) program, during which teachers conducted classes based on building with Lego. The exercises—carried out according to a specially prepared booklet with instructions—inspired children to imagine and mentally manipulate construction elements. 

The results were clear: participants in the SPACE program showed significant improvement in so-called mental rotation, the ability to visualize and rotate objects in the mind and also achieved better math scores than children taught by traditional methods. 

Researchers emphasize that developing spatial thinking can help level educational opportunities and reduce achievement gaps in learning. 

The project was funded by the Education Endowment Foundation and partially by the UK Research and Innovation Economic and Social Research Council.