Some people prefer ways of thinking that keep them close to physical things, while others use abstract and formal means to distance themselves form concrete material. (Papert & Harel, 1991)
The problem / intent
Some people are comfortable with complex high-level abstractions, but many more learn best by manipulating concrete objects.
AKA
Objects to think with
The context
This refers to one of the central principles of Constructionist learning, and is the primary motivation for learning through Construction activities.
The pattern
Design objects that embody the knowledge you wish to promote in their structure or behaviour, so that by interacting with these objects learners will be forced to engage with the knowledge in question.