In Lego Robotics, kids, often many multiple kids, have to share a robot. They read the instructions, program the computer, build and test.
That's okay but it doesn't compare to each child getting a pile of blocks and gears and motors in order to problem solve and be creative. YMMV. The highlight at Lego Club was a two week project where they built and competed in a Lego version of a tractor pull.
DS built a pretty impressive manual AND automatic transmission with blocks & gears. At home, he picks bulk blocks over his Mindstorms prolly 95% of the time.
