Welcome to the Introduction to Engineering Concepts course! Over the next 12 weeks, students will delve into fundamental engineering principles through hands-on exploration and experimentation. This course encourages learning through play, where students can discover and apply engineering concepts at their own pace and skill level.

By engaging in these activities, elementary students not only develop a deeper understanding of science and engineering concepts but also enhance their skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, all of which are essential for success in STEM fields and beyond.

Course Structure:

Hands-on Exploration: Students will engage in designing, testing, and sometimes redesigning various engineering projects throughout the course.

Recording Progress: To maximize learning, students are encouraged to work outside of class, recording their results and documenting their projects with pictures and/or videos on the class website. This fosters a collaborative learning environment where everyone can share their experiences and insights.

Educational Videos: Short videos and clips covering concepts of simple machines and physics, such as wheels, axles, levers, pulleys, gears, gravity, tension, and others, will complement in-class learning. These resources aim to deepen students' understanding of the principles behind their project creations.

Inclusive Learning Environment:

This class welcomes students of all abilities and encourages participation in ways that suit individual capabilities. It’s a safe space where students are encouraged to embrace trial and error as part of the learning process. Through the scientific method and iterative processes like testing and redesigning, students will not only learn engineering concepts but also develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Class Structure:

Welcome and Introduction: Each class begins with an introduction to the day’s concept or project.

Review: Students will share their previous projects, discuss challenges and successes, and participate in a Q&A session to wrap up previous lessons.

Main Topic Presentation: Slides and video clips will be used to cover major concepts related to the lesson's project.

Design and Build: Students will brainstorm, decide on materials, sketch ideas, and begin constructing their projects. They will share progress, discuss what’s working well, and troubleshoot challenges with peers.

Testing: Each project will undergo testing to evaluate its functionality and effectiveness. Students will meticulously record their testing results.

Redesign and Rebuilds: Students have the opportunity to refine their designs based on testing outcomes. This process encourages creativity and iterative improvement, both in class and through continued work outside of scheduled sessions.

Closing: A wrap-up session includes reflections on the day’s activities, lessons learned, and a final Q&A for any lingering questions.

Weekly Projects and Topics:

Week 1: Car - Focus on wheels and axles.
Week 2: Tower - Exploration of gravity and structural integrity.
Week 3: Lifts - Understanding pulley systems.
Week 4: Catapult - Principles of levers and projectile motion.
Week 5: Bridge - Concepts of compression, tension, and structural engineering.
Week 6: Boat - Principles of buoyancy and fluid dynamics.
Week 7: Windmill - Kinetic motion and Newton's Third Law.
Week 8: Robots - Varied projects based on students’ interests and builds.
Week 9: Maze - Exploration of gravity and friction in dynamic systems.
Week 10: Animal - Projects tailored to animal-inspired designs and movements.
Week 11: Rocket - Study of air resistance, drag, and aerospace engineering.
Week 12: Rube Goldberg - Diverse projects showcasing intricate designs and creativity.
Note: Topics covered each week may vary based on students’ individual projects and progress, allowing flexibility to meet the unique learning needs of the class.

Final Remarks: This course promises an exciting journey into the world of engineering, where creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration thrive. If you have any questions or require accommodations to enhance your learning experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.