STEM Engineering Design Challenges for Ages 6 - 8
In this 4 week series, students learn how engineers work using the Engineering Design process. Each week includes a STEM challenge that students will complete outside class and bring back the next week to share with the class. #academic
Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(165)
Star Educator
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Each week will end with a new STEM challenge. Students will be expected to work on the challenge throughout the week and come back to the next class with a prototype, which they will present. They will choose whether they want to work in a group or solo.Assessment
Informal assessment throughout the course. Parents will be provided with a report on their child's skills development at the end of the six weeks.Grading
Certificate of Completion provided at the end of the course.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 2
Beginner Level
This course will contain a variety of STEM Design Challenges, which students will complete using the Engineering Design Process. Each week, the class will be presented with a topic, which we will research together in class. They may choose to work with a partner or alone, but each member will leave class with a planned solution to the problem. The challenges will have certain criteria and constraints that students must follow. They will develop their prototype on their own to be presented to the rest of the group at the beginning of the next class. Students may choose to do a live presentation, or they may present a video. Week 1: What is an Engineer - Learn about the Engineering Design process and how engineers work. Week 2: Who Sank the Boat? - Design a flotation device that will hold its cargo above the water for 2 minutes. Week 3: Hurricane! - Design a structure that can withstand hurricane force winds. Week 4: Cross the River - Design a bridge that will hold enough weight for everyone to cross.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the engineering design process and learn how to develop plans and solutions to problems. They will work within specific constraints, just as real engineers do, and create engineering notebooks to record their work.
Other Details
Supply List
Most items are recyclable from around home. A complete list of supplies by week may be found at - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BbxiaQIY2zHBbYF6ug1FKImYrpxLXEvo/view?usp=sharing
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined July, 2021
4.9
165reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University
I served as a public school educator for over 26 years. During that time, I specialized in science, math, and STEM engineering design, including coding and robotics through after school programs. After leaving the classroom, I was a science and math instructional coach in the largest school district in my state, working to help teachers improve academic achievement in science and math with their students.Reviews
Live Group Course
$50
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
1-8 learners per class
