The PCS Academy of Engineering, Jr. (AOE, Jr.) provides a complete, "turn-key" installation of a mobile resource center specifically designed to facilitate hands-on learning environments. With over a decade of hands-on education experience focusing on the use of LEGOÒ materials, PCS has developed a comprehensive approach to organizing and supporting ongoing hands-on learning methods using this highly durable, reliable, and student-friendly construct. Schools looking for proven methods of introducing project based learning programs will find the Academy of Engineering, Jr. program an excellent solution that can be implemented in a controlled fashion, as slowly or quickly as staff members wish.

A recent research project (1998-1999 school year), conducted by the Peruvian Ministry of Education, documented some of the impressive results that can be attained through the application of LEGOÒ materials in a hands-on environment like that of the Academy of Engineering, Jr. Using an objective analysis model that compared Experimental Groups (EG) with Control Groups (CG) across 14 schools and involved over 1,600 students, this research indicates significant benefits for students and teachers.

The study was commissioned to analyze the results of the INFOSCUELA Project, which began in 1996 as a pilot in 12 Peruvian schools with the objective of introducing technology in primary grades. The main products used for the INFOSCUELA Project were LEGOÒ manipulatives and LOGO software. Based on promising pilot results, the INFOSCUELA Project was expanded in 1997 and 1998 to a total of 130 schools with a large scale study implemented to document unquestionable proof of the positive impact of the program. This study involved the coordinated participation of the Peruvian Ministry of Education, educational psychologist Ivan Montes Iturrizaga, Dr. Seymour Papert and the MIT Media Lab, the Ponificia Catholic University of Peru (CISE), the Pedagogical Institute of Monterrico, and the teachers, schoolmasters, parents, and all 1,653 students from the 14 participating schools.

The study focused on student groups in the 2^nd, 4^th, and 6^th grades assembled into Control Groups (CG) and Experimental Groups (EG) with a strong evaluation emphasis on maintaining homogeneity among the schools and isolating, to the greatest extent possible, any factors that would affect the authenticity of the statistical data.

Finally, it is important to highlight that for students, teachers and parents studied, the LEGO Dacta material has favourably changed their perceptions regarding the pedagogy."