Reproducibility: a LEGO Activity

1 Reproducibility activity using LEGO®

LearningLearning Objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of good documentation for reproducibility through the medium of LEGO®
  • Identify challenges and good documentation practices to improve reproducibility
NoteAcknowledgments

This activity is largely based on the LEGO® Metadata for Reproducibility game pack, which was developed by Mary Donaldson and Matt Mahon.

2 Instructions

  1. Gather into small groups
  2. Get LEGO® blocks and worksheets
  3. Follow Creation phase instructions (40 min)
  4. Hand off materials and metadata to another team (2 min)
  5. Follow Replication phase instructions (25 min)

(instructor guide here)

As you work, discuss the following questions within your small group. At the end, we will share our thoughts and ideas with the larger group.

3 Debrief Discussion

  • Did you find this a simple way to document your process?
    • How would you document the process differently given more time or resources?
  • Was there anything you found difficult to capture?
    • What information did you prioritize?
    • What did you choose to leave out?
  • What did you find straightforward to follow?
    • What questions would you have liked to ask the creators?
  • Did you encounter any ambiguity in the instructions?
    • How would you have revised the instructions to make them clearer?