What Is Engineering? An Introduction for Kids
Ask an engineer all of your questions about engineering!
Ian Nelson
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(2,520)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
In this introductory class, we will be talking all about engineering. Students are encouraged to bring their questions during this live workshop. We'll conduct our discussion in the "Ask Me Anything" format. We'll talk about why there are so many different kinds of engineering, how engineers work together on teams with other people, why it's important for engineers to be good problem solvers, how an engineer knows when they have a "good" design, and how kids can become engineers. Depending on enrollment and the number of questions asked, learners may have a chance to try being an engineer in a hands-on design activity that uses index cards. Learner questions have priority in this discussion-based workshop. By the end of our time together, I hope that kids will start to see themselves as engineers when they are playing, designing, and building and be inspired to explore engineering further.
Other Details
Supply List
Learners should bring index cards to the workshop so they can participate in a hands-on design activity.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2017
4.7
2520reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello! I'm an engineer committed to giving students amazing experiences in math, science, and engineering. I believe that learning happens when kids ask questions and explore their interests. I look forward to helping your kids leverage their curiosity and see math, science, and engineering at work in the world around them.
I purposefully design classes around real-world projects to engage students more deeply in learning. I believe that kids learn best when they have the opportunity to create. As much as is possible, I encourage students to use their hands and build their own models.
As a kid, I was constantly looking for new experiences with math, science, and engineering. I conducted every experiment from Mr. Wizard's Supermarket Science and begged my parents for more math practice. I took all the advanced math and science course offered by my high school, attended Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy, competed in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair three years in a row, was a semi-finalist in the Science Talent Search, and graduated magna cum laude from Boston University while majoring in mechanical engineering. I also hold a MS in Engineering Education from Purdue University.
I currently teach math, science, and engineering courses to kids ages 6 and up. When I'm not teaching, I love to play with my cat, curl up with a good book, visit historic places, or watch a movie.
If you have any thoughts about a class you wish I would offer or a time you hope I can schedule a class, please send me a message. All of my best teaching ideas have come directly from my students as we learn and explore together.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 498 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
1-8 learners per class
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Tutoring
More to Explore
Waldorf ReadingAlgebra PrepWaldorf Inspired SpanishHistory Of UkraineLearning Pod Unit 3Write To Prove Your PointPhotosynthesis How Plants Automatically Produce Their Own FoodWood WorkChristmas ScienceSuperhero DrawingHow To Train Your DragonImprove Through Improv Wheel Of ImprovLabor 6Master SketchScience The Cell