Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

The Young Engineers' Society

A club for young engineers curious about how things work
Ian Nelson
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:
(2,520)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
Will you say YES to engineering?

The Young Engineers' Society offers learners a chance to gather with engineering enthusiasts from around the world. We explore the engineering stories around everyday objects where learners can suggest topics they want to explore. Together we have discussed diverse questions such as:
-- How do scientists and engineers explore deep space?
-- Who invented the vacuum cleaner?
-- What are uses of hovercrafts?
-- How does wireless internet work?
-- How do televisions broadcast images?
-- Why are there so many different kinds of water bottles?
-- What materials are found in shoes?

Our goal each week is to discuss the engineering stories behind topics we find interesting. As the discussion facilitator, I use video clips to illustrate key concepts and ideas and as a means to spark deeper questions. Additionally, I try to suggest a project related to our class discussions so that learners have an opportunity to be an engineer outside of our class meetings. Projects include things creating edible concrete, building shoes out of cardboard and duct tape, making fidget cubes, and experimenting with mixing different colors of light. Students will work on the weekly design challenge in between club meetings where no supplies are required at class time.

Students are welcome to join the club at any time. Each meeting opens with a time of show and tell so students can show off their creations before diving into the week's topic. Learners are welcome to bring any project that they have worked on the previous week. As the facilitator, I consistently ask the group what they want to explore to ensure that the club stays centered on student interests. 

The Young Engineers' Society has a casual club atmosphere. Learners are highly encouraged to attend for multiple weeks to explore the world of engineering, make new friends, and grow in their creative problem solving abilities.

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The age band of this course is 8-13 as a suggestion. Curious learners of other ages are welcome. Our club time features a lot of discussion with voluntary participation.
Supply List
Students will be able to build their inventions from found materials around the house. I encourage young engineers to make use of the family recycling bin. Some students feel a bit more like engineers when they can use duct tape in their designs.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2017
4.7
2520reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I'm a mechanical engineer and experienced educator who loves helping students see themselves as engineers. This club came from students in my Engineering of Everyday Things class always being aghast when our class time came to an end.

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$15

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Completed by 532 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
1-8 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2025 Outschool