Engineering for Early Childhood
In the October 2013 issue of The Early Years, Peggy Ashbrook provides theoretical support and specific hands on examples of including engineering concepts in science lessons for early childh... See More
In the October 2013 issue of The Early Years, Peggy Ashbrook provides theoretical support and specific hands on examples of including engineering concepts in science lessons for early childhood. Ms. Ashbrook, author of Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers, teaches preschool science in Alexandria, Virginia. The article emphasizes the following Disciplinary Core Idea for K - 2 students: students who demonstrate understanding ask questions, make observations and gather information about something that can be changed through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
The author provides one detailed example of an activity that requires tools: heavy lifting, which involves six steps.
The first of the six steps for the teacher is to note how STEM concepts are involved and to plan this activity as part of a larger inquiry or project on machines, motion and transportation.
The second step is to introduce a heavy object to the students and have them pass it around. The students are required to describe the object. The third step is that during this process, the teacher provides reinforcement by informing the students that they are engaged in a scientific inquiry.
The fourth step introduces the challenge of moving the object safely. Solving the problem could include drawing design ideas. The fifth step is to provide materials for the students to create a carrier, and to provide feedback about what is working and what is not working. The sixth step is the demonstration by the students that they have successfully moved the object. If the design was not successful, part of the lesson is for students to identify what feature of the carrier could be changed to make it work.
The article lays out both the theoretical framework for incorporating engineering concepts to young learners, as well as a specific lesson plan with numerous tips.
Engineering for Early Childhood
In the October 2013 issue of The Early Years, Peggy Ashbrook provides theoretical support and specific hands on examples of including engineering concepts in science lessons for early childh... See More
In the October 2013 issue of The Early Years, Peggy Ashbrook provides theoretical support and specific hands on examples of including engineering concepts in science lessons for early childhood. Ms. Ashbrook, author of Science is Simple: Over 250 Activities for Preschoolers, teaches preschool science in Alexandria, Virginia. The article emphasizes the following Disciplinary Core Idea for K - 2 students: students who demonstrate understanding ask questions, make observations and gather information about something that can be changed through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
The author provides one detailed example of an activity that requires tools: heavy lifting, which involves six steps.
The first of the six steps for the teacher is to note how STEM concepts are involved and to plan this activity as part of a larger inquiry or project on machines, motion and transportation.
The second step is to introduce a heavy object to the students and have them pass it around. The students are required to describe the object. The third step is that during this process, the teacher provides reinforcement by informing the students that they are engaged in a scientific inquiry.
The fourth step introduces the challenge of moving the object safely. Solving the problem could include drawing design ideas. The fifth step is to provide materials for the students to create a carrier, and to provide feedback about what is working and what is not working. The sixth step is the demonstration by the students that they have successfully moved the object. If the design was not successful, part of the lesson is for students to identify what feature of the carrier could be changed to make it work.
The article lays out both the theoretical framework for incorporating engineering concepts to young learners, as well as a specific lesson plan with numerous tips.