09/17/2017
I am a former teacher of elementary STEM engineering. It was an amazing experience due to the breadth of learning that transpired, truly the manner by which the brain really learns, neurocognitively. I introduce the Engineering Design Process, just as professional engineers work with, and present preschool through elementary students with real world problems to solve. In small, collaborative teams children brainstorm solutions, select a viable solution, design and construct a model, test the model to determine that the problem was accurately solved and, finally, present the design solution.
Based on grade levels, pre-K through elementary, students can design purposeful contraptions from cardboard... “CARDBOARD CONTRAPTIONS,” bridge design and construction that supports weight…”BOMBASTIC BRIDGES,” hands on understanding regarding the function of gears…
“GO GEARS,” principles of columns, building columns to stand on…”CRAZY COLUMNS,” “TANTALIZING TOWERS,” particularly for younger children…”How tall can you build a tower without it collapsing?” AND…”HUMPTY DUMPTY EGG CATCHER,” design a catcher so that Humpty does not crack. Of course teachers and custodians please note, eggs will arrive hard boiled!
Naturally, there is humor and fun while significant learning takes place. The special consideration is that there is no one correct way to solve problems. Students never fail. Rather, they discover ways not to solve the problem like real, working engineers!!!!!
No child is too young to think like an engineer. It is what humans are born to do. After all, it’s about tinkering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drstempresents.com……………………………Larry “Doc” Siegel
Dr. STEM
