LEGO Build a Float! Students build LEGO models of ocean floats to learn how these instruments collect and share data, revealing how technology helps us study ocean health and climate. LEGO Build a Float! introduces students to the science and engineering behind ocean floats—autonomous instruments that collect vital ocean data. Students explore how floats are built, learn the function of each component, and assemble their own LEGO models while watching videos of real float construction. Through hands-on building and discussion, they gain insight into how floats gather and transmit data to help scientists study ocean health and climate. This lesson blends creativity, engineering, and oceanography, giving students a tangible way to understand how technology helps us explore the largely unknown ocean. Topics Floats AuthorsJoanna Rodriguez, Tom Savage, and Stacey Sebert Teacher ResourcesLesson PlanLEGO kit contentsBuy the LEGOs HERE ($1.24 per float est.)Suggestion: Presort and build your LEGO kits ahead of time.Teacher Slide DeckEdpuzzle link or Video: Greg Brusseau Explaining Components of an APEX FloatVideo: Greg Brusseau Explaining How they Process the APEX Floats  Student ResourcesLEGO float building instructionsAPEXSOLONavisHandout Exit Ticket: LEGO Build A Float Reflection Exit Ticket Google Form Additional Resources: Adopt a Float Program – is an outreach initiative that allows individuals and schools to track and learn from floats, fostering public engagement and education. Sign up, it’s free! Adopt a Float Data SOCCOM Float Data – Focused on the Southern Ocean, monitors biogeochemicals to measure parameters like pH, nitrate, and oxygen. Studies carbon cycling and climate impact. GO-BGC Float Data – Monitors Biogeochemical properties across all the oceans to enhance understanding of ocean health and climate dynamics. Float animation Day in the Life of a SOCCOM Float Float Diagram Diagram Float Interactive Float Maps How LEGO Is Training The Scientists And Problem Solvers Of The Future article Science Communication… with LEGO article Float Component Reference sheet For Educators | GO-BGC Design and Explore LEGOS To build 3-D renderings LEGOS To label your LEGO kits Enrichment: Testing the Floats in Tanks Video Taking a Dip in the Ocean Data Pool – Extension lesson on float data importance The Ocean Does the Robot – Extension lesson on float data and graphing Our Ocean is Trending – Extension lesson on using floats to study oxygen and chlorophyll Ocean Data GOES from Space Argo the Sea – Extension lesson on comparing float data to satellite data Ocean Checkup: How Do You Measure the Health of the Ocean? – Extension lesson on what floats monitor Intro to ROVs – Extension lesson on how ROVs are built and why they are used Have students create their own videos or comics describing how floats study the ocean Adopt a Float Sticker Contest Next Generation Science Standards Crosscutting Concepts Systems and system models Structure and function Core Ideas PS4.C: Information Technologies and Instrumentation ESS3.D: Global Climate Change ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions Practices Asking Questions and Defining Problems Developing and Using Models Ocean Literacy Fundamental Concepts 7: The ocean is largely unexplored.