Even with the Next Generation Science Standard’s emphasis on engineering, there’s still a feeling that in preschool and kindergarten, teachers shouldn’t place as much emphasis on the E in STEM. But younger children can learn and benefit from modified lessons. Nia Keith, director of professional development for EiE, Museum of Science, Boston, gave attendees insights into engineering in early education in the edWebinar, “STEM in Early Education: Empowering Problem-Solving.”
First, Keith said educators need to make sure they understand what engineering actually is. Most stop short with the idea of building something. The engineering process actually involves several steps, from asking questions to determining if the student’s design solves the problem. Keith calls it a creative process, on in which even the youngest students can engage in problem solving and asking themselves, “What if?”
Next, Keith explored how engineering curriculum design parameters, as codified by Dr. Christine Cunningham, EiE founding director at Museum of Science, Boston, can be adapted for early education. She focused on six of Cunningham’s eight parameters.…Read More