Modeling Engineering Practices
Staff and volunteers will facilitate STEM learning experiences for youth to engage in engineering practices, including defining the problem, designing a solution, testing, responding to failure, and optimization.
As a result of ongoing, consistent professional development efforts, taff and volunteers will be able to:
- Describe engineering practices in terms youth can understand.
- Facilitate engineering challenges: including opportunities for youth to ask questions, define problems, evaluate solutions. and develop models or prototypes.
Resources
Skill: Modeling Engineering Practices
This is a Test
Participants will reflect on the Try and Try Again Video-Based Learning Module in order to emphasize the engineering design process.
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Re-Testing and Success
Participants will analyze a Video-Based Learning Module of staff supporting youth to re-test in order to help youth succeed through persistence.
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It’s a Process
Participants will engage in NASA’s Heavy Lifting Balloon Rocket activity to plan high-quality engineering activities.
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Easy as a Pickle Sandwich
Participants will design a sandwich “protector” to learn how engineers use multiple practices to design solutions.
View GuideSkill: Modeling Engineering Practices
Discussing Testing in the Design Process
Participants will do a chalk talk around engineering design and testing in order to incorporate thoughtful testing and local resources.
View GuideSkill: Modeling Engineering Practices
Design and Test
Participants will use “What-If” cards in order to help youth engage in engineering design practices like using criteria and constraints, facing a failed test, and redesign.
View GuideSkill: Modeling Engineering Practices
Computer Science: It’s Easier Than You Think
Participants will explore what computer science is, why it is important for youth in their program, and how they can successfully teach computer science.
View GuideSkill: Modeling Engineering Practices
Soda Straw Rockets
Build an air powered rocket and test how different factors affect the flight of your soda straw rocket.
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Making, Tinkering & Engineering: What’s the Difference?
Making, tinkering, and engineering activities are all excellent ways to engage children and youth in afterschool and summer programs. A search of all three terms provides a myriad of activities that range from simple to complex, and that use materials from the standard kitchen or desktop items to computers and 3D printers. The kind of activities you choose will depend on your goals.
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