Putting the "E" in STEM Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and  Math.  Each of these areas has SOLs.  Two of these areas have SOLs which are tested—science and math.  Technology and Engineering SOLs are not tested.  Which do you suppose get more emphasis in the classroom? 

I, naturally , am an advocate for technology.  However, not for the sake of technology.  Rather, I advocate using technology to teach other areas.  Technology education should be a by-product of its use to teach math, social studies, etc.  Engineering may be different.  If we focus on engineering, the by-product might be learning in other areas.  Engineering, simply put, is problem solving.  “Children, just like engineers, are creative, innovative, and imaginative when it comes to solving problems.” (Cox-Boniol, 2012)  Why not harness the child’s natural enthusiasm for problem solving in order to teach math, science, team building,  and communication skills (required to work together and to present)?  “Hands-on activities and  project-based learning are fun and effective ways to help students learn and retain more math and science concepts.  By choosing to teach engineering, teachers can help students make the links between classroom learning, their everday lives and the wider world. (Cox-Boniol, 2012)

A teacher might start by giving students an understanding of what engineering  is and what engineers do.  Some suggestions from the authors cited above include making Hollywood connections.  For example, ask students to identify scenes in which Willy Wonka, the chemical engineer, did engineering work.  Have them investigate how engineers developed the iPod.  Have them imagine other designs for skateboards.  Show how engineers worked to design video games, cell phones, etc.  A valuable resource along these lines might be www. Howstuffworks.com.

To access design briefs, listed  by grade level and SOL, and submitted by elementary teachers from Chesterfield County, Viginia, click here.  To access many other links which lead to more design briefs and resources, click here.   A design brief is the paper you would hand out to the students explaining the assignment—here is the problem, here are the materials you have to work with, have your group create a solution.

I’ve kept this post brief, giving you time to view some of these design briefs and consider their use in your class.

Work Cited:

Cox-Boniol, C. B. (2012). Teaching Engineering Made Easy; A Friendly Introduction to Engineering Activities for Middle School Teachers (Second Edition). Springfield, OR: Engineering Education Service Center.