STEM Quest: Creative Engineering Design Challenges for Ages 9-12
In this exciting 6-week series students will dive into the world of engineering through hands-on learning and creativity! In this program, participants will explore the Engineering Design Process, gaining insight into how engineers work.
Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(175)
Star Educator
What's included
6 live meetings
5 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 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 4 - 6
Beginner - Intermediate Level
This dynamic STEM course will feature a variety of engaging Design Challenges that students will tackle using the Engineering Design Process. Each week, the class will be introduced to a new topic, which we will research collaboratively. Students can choose to work independently or with a partner, ensuring that each participant leaves class with a well-developed plan to address the assigned problem. The design challenges will include specific criteria and constraints that students must adhere to while developing their solutions. Students will create their prototypes individually and present them to the class at the beginning of the following session. They will have the option to deliver a live presentation or submit a video presentation, fostering both creativity and communication skills. This hands-on approach not only nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving abilities but also prepares students for real-world engineering and design scenarios. 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: Scary Rides - Design a rollercoaster that has specific scary criteria. Week 5: Just Do It - Create a Rube Goldberg machine to complete a task. Week 6: Don't Let it Melt - Build a better lunchbox that will keep an ice cream treat cold until lunch time.
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
Notebook and pencil Variety of common household materials, including recyclables Basic art supplies A complete list of supplies may be found at - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lQceLN1L8KwtmzWNBK3sk4FEBRbMHUcB/view?usp=sharing
1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
We will view several pre-screened video clips as examples along with teacher created presentations.
Joined July, 2021
4.9
175reviews
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 Class
$70
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
50 min
Completed by 38 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-8 learners per class
