6 reasons young children should learn engineering

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

Six ed-tech tools for engineering instruction

These engineering tools can help with classroom instruction

engineering-toolsHere are reviews of six high-quality apps, tools, and websites that can help teach engineering concepts, courtesy of Common Sense Media and its new Graphite service—a free database of teacher-written reviews of learning technologies.

Amazing Alex

Learning rating: 4 (out of 5)
Grade range: 4-8
What is it? A crazy contraptions physics app that has kids cobble together Rube Goldberg-like devices to guide balls.
Pros: Inspiring and challenging activities are easy to navigate with the clean, sophisticated design.
Cons: Scientific terminology is lacking, as is a gentle hint system to teach concepts.
Bottom line: With endless possibilities and refined controls, Amazing Alex inspires kids to make unique puzzles and imaginative machines.
Full review: http://www.graphite.org/app/amazing-alex…Read More