STEM in the Real World: Engineering Challenges to Solve World Problems

Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction

Rising Star

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(143)

In this 6 week course, students will be presented with actual world issues that different kinds of engineers are trying to solve. #academic

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6

In this class, students will explore different branches of engineering as they learn about and design their own solutions to problems happening around the world now.  These real time issues are in the forefront of current events, and require innovative solutions.  Students will be encouraged to be creative and independent as they learn the Engineering Design Process to tackle these challenges and present their solutions to their classmates.  Each week will feature a different problem that we...

By the end of this course, students will have a deep understanding of the Engineering Design Process. They will be challenged to think critically to solve these problems, communicate and brainstorm with classmates, and understand that failure is an important part of the design process.

I have been sharing my love of science and math with elementary students in public schools for over 26 years. I served most of that time in the classroom and then moved into Instructional Coaching to help other teachers improve their practice in those areas. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
Science classes with Ms. Susan are fun, engaging, and hands on, with an inquiry approach in everything we do. My goal is to latch on to the natural curiosity children have about the world around them and use that to explore science and math concepts in a rich and meaningful way.  I believe in teaching in ways that children learn, using strategies and activities that foster a love of learning. As a retired teacher, I am not bound by district or state policies and I am able to use fun, creative lessons to instill the academics that children need to master, not the ones they need to pass state assessments.
One of my favorite quotes from Carl Sagan sums up my approach to science education - "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." In Ms. Susan's Super Science and Math classes, students will be challenged to think!
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy nurturing butterflies in the garden and baking with my grandchil

Homework Offered
Each week, the challenge will be started in class and students will complete their designs on their own, ready to present to their peers. Cooperative grouping for brainstorming and research will take place in class, while the actual challenge solution will be independent. Approximately 2 hours outside class, depending on the challenge.1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Informal assessment based on a generic rubric.
Grades Offered

0A complete supply list will be posted two weeks before class begins, but all materials are things typically around home, recyclables, and a variety of art materials.
A complete list of materials may be found at - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ObEQTmBpkq1xK7FSSXZAZ5Wzx-8jn7DN/view?usp=sharing

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:Kahoot
Nearpod
Youtube
Symbaloo

All lessons will be presented through NearPod
Research will be done with pre-screened websites and videos, posted on Symbaloo (customized safe search with a private link, only available to class members) posted by the teacher and shown in class.
Symbaloo is a platform that allows the teacher to pre-screen and select the sites that students will use for research. Clicking on the link the teacher has loaded will take the student off platform to a site that has been vetted by the teacher for accuracy and safety. Students will not require accounts or logins for anything that is linked from Symbaloo.
None of these resources require student logins or accounts.

Teach Engineering
PBS Design Squad Global
Teach K -12 Engineering
Nasa.gov
Smithsonian Learning Labs

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(143)

I have been sharing my love of science and math with elementary students in public schools for over 26 years. I served most of that time in the classroom and then moved into Instructional Coaching to help other teachers improve their practice in...