Engineering Design
Math & Science Updates- January 2016 Edition
Why engage students in engineering design in elementary schools?
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) argued that it is imperative for elementary aged students to engage in engineering practices since these opportunities build on children's natural inclination to design, build, and take things apart to see how they work. In addition, research has shown that students who engage in engineering design do better in math and science since it motivates them to learn concepts due to the real world application (Wicklein, 2006). Further, engineering encompasses hands-on activity, teamwork, and inquiry , which are the best means for developing children's 21st century skills (Miaoulis, 2001). Given the benefits of engaging in engineering design as well the fact that the Next Generation Science Standards promotes engineering, this edition will focus on how, we as educators, can provide students with such opportunities.
Design Squad
Design Squad, from PBS kids, features hands-on activities for elementary students. These activities are geared toward helping students develop/explore engineering design. Arranged by 10 topics...check out the link below.
Teach Engineering
Teach Engineering has a plethora of unit plans, lessons, and activities. Each has an engineering focus. Some useful lessons/activities that are NGSS aligned include:
- Which Roofs if Tops? (1st Grade)
- Light Plants/Dark Plants (2nd Grade)
- Putting Robots to Work with Force/Friction (3rd Grade)
- Engineering for the Earth (4th Grade)
- Biodomes (5th Grade)
Professional Development on Engineering
Organizations are currently putting together workshops on engineering in the classroom. Some interesting ones include:
- Science Teacher/Engineering Mentor: NJSTA pairs teachers up with an engineer. Please visit: www.njsta.org or email: Science8G@aol.com
- NJ Technology & Engineering Educators: annual conference is in May 2016 (exact date TBD)
- Liberty Science Center: Offer various workshops throughout the year with an NGSS and engineering focus. http://lsc.org/for-educators/lscs-teacher-community/professional-development-catalog/
Vicky Pilitsis
Email: vickypilitsis@hvrsd.org
Location: 425 South Main Street, Pennington, NJ, United States
Phone: 609-737-4000