Smash a LEGO® build to free your bricks for a new invention
Carefully dismantle an old LEGO build to free bricks, sort pieces by type or color, then design and build a brand-new invention.
About this activity
Carefully dismantle an old LEGO build to free bricks, sort pieces by type or color, then design and build a brand-new invention.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Lay the towel or soft mat on a flat table so bricks won’t roll away.
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Step 2
Put the old LEGO build in the middle of the mat.
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Step 3
Decide which section of the build you will start taking apart.
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Step 4
Carefully remove the top pieces first using your fingers.
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Step 5
Continue taking the build apart piece by piece until all parts are separated.
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Step 6
Put all the separated bricks into one pile on the mat.
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Step 7
Sort the pile into the small bowls or muffin tin by color or by type.
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Step 8
Move special parts like wheels or minifig pieces into the small box or tray.
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Step 9
Sketch a quick plan for your new invention on the paper with the pencil.
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Step 10
Choose base parts from the bowls that match your sketch.
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Step 11
Attach the chosen parts to the baseplate to begin building your new invention.
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Step 12
Gently press different parts to test the stability of your build.
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Step 13
If anything is wobbly remove and replace loose connections to make it stronger.
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Step 14
Add finishing details using extra small pieces from the bowls to make it look awesome.
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Step 15
Share your finished invention by posting a photo and a short description on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I carefully dismantle a LEGO® build so my child can reuse the bricks?
Start by working on a clear tabletop and have your child remove large pieces first. Use a brick separator for stubborn connections and gently pry apart plates and small tiles. Keep dismantled parts in labeled trays as you go to avoid losing pieces. Encourage your child to sort by shape or color while dismantling — this makes planning the new invention faster and teaches methodical work and patience.
What materials do I need to smash a LEGO® build and prepare for a new project?
You’ll need the LEGO set to dismantle, a brick separator, small containers or muffin tins for sorting, a flat workspace, base plates for rebuilding, and sticky notes or labels. Optional supplies: a notepad for design sketches, tweezers for tiny pieces, and a box to store leftover bricks. Keep a small handheld vacuum or brush nearby for crumbs and dust.
What ages is dismantling and rebuilding LEGO® appropriate for?
This activity suits children about 4 years and up with age-appropriate supervision. Younger kids (2–3) can join by handing large bricks to adults and practicing sorting, but avoid small pieces due to choking risks. Older children benefit most, developing fine motor skills, planning and independent problem-solving while handling more complex pieces safely.
What are the benefits of dismantling and rebuilding LEGO® creations?
Dismantling and rebuilding teaches resourcefulness, creativity and spatial reasoning. Sorting pieces boosts organization and categorization skills, while designing new inventions encourages planning and iterative thinking. It also promotes sustainability by reusing parts, builds confidence when ideas succeed, and gives children practice with tools like brick separators under supervision.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I don't have a towel, muffin tin, or small bowls — what can I use instead?
Use a folded clean blanket or bath towel on the flat table in place of the towel/soft mat, and repurpose an egg carton, ice cube tray, or small cups to sort the separated bricks instead of the muffin tin or small bowls.
Some bricks are stuck when I try to 'carefully remove the top pieces first using your fingers' — how do I get them apart without breaking anything?
Use a LEGO brick separator or gently twist and pry with your fingernail while following the step to remove top pieces first so you can continue taking the build apart piece by piece without forcing connections.
How can I change this activity for a 3‑year‑old, a 7‑year‑old, or a 12‑year‑old?
For a 3‑year‑old, pre-sort the pile into bowls and let them attach large base parts with adult help; for a 7‑year‑old, have them sketch a quick plan on paper, choose base parts, and test stability by gently pressing parts; for a 12‑year‑old, challenge them to design a complex invention, organize special parts like wheels or minifigs into the small box, and strengthen connections by removing and replacing loose pieces.
How can we make the new invention more creative or display-worthy beyond the instructions?
Enhance the build by moving special parts like wheels or minifigs into the small box to plan features, add finishing details from the bowls, create a themed scene on the baseplate, and share a styled photo with a short description on DIY.org.