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.
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