Engineering is the study of the design and creation of products as a result of solving problems. Engineering encompasses math, science, and technology as well as other skills. It is a valuable subject to learn and experience. Teaching engineering is teaching the process of designing and building something that is needed. You can also think of it as the process of creating those pieces of technology that are critical to serving a purpose or meeting a need.
Imagine taking a group of students-of any age-and giving them some specific materials along with a problem to solve and being able to watch them collaborate, problem solve, hypothesize, explore, and come to a consensus on what the collective opinion of success is. Along with this process comes failure, which, in STEM terms, is not seen as failure at all, but instead as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Imagine taking a group of students-of any age-and giving them some specific materials along with a problem to solve and being able to watch them collaborate, problem solve, hypothesize, explore, and come to a consensus on what the collective opinion of success is. Along with this process comes failure, which, in STEM terms, is not seen as failure at all, but instead as an opportunity to learn and grow.
How to include engineering lessons in your early childhood program:
- Encourage teamwork and problem-solving in all things-not just STEM activities.
- Give students the opportunities to struggle enough to hopefully overcome the challenge that they are faced with. Offer suggestions if they become frustrated.
- Encourage critical thinking skills in every aspect of your program.
