Bricks, structure, levers, pulleys, gears, wheels and axles. These are the terms that 4-H members have been learning about in the new 4-H Lego project club.

The club is entertaining, with lots of hands-on learning by building with Lego bricks.

The meetings begin with a discussion about the tools members will learn about. Then members are given Lego bricks to build whatever designs they want.

All of the supplies needed are provided and members are basically left to learn for themselves, discussing their findings later with the group. The meetings are full of fun and creative play.

"It's even fun for the leaders and parents," says a spokesman. "The club is having so much fun with this project that there are two meetings each month."

In addition to gaining critical problem-solving skills, the children also have gained valuable leadership and communication skills.

Some members who never wanted to speak in front of a group are now presenting what they've learned to their peers and parents.

But perhaps the best gauge of success was when one mom said, "My son has never followed through on a project before. He now tells everyone about what he is doing and learning."

The Lego Loonys meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Moore County Agricultural Center at 6:30 p.m.

If you are interested in joining this club or starting your own Lego club, contact Cindy Secura, leader, at (910) 585-1912 or Linda Gore, 4-H agent, at (910) 947-3188.