Engineering is a big word for little people. Many of my students love telling me that their mom or dad is an engineer, but they have no idea what that means. To explain this complex skill to my younger learners we focus on the concept that engineers solve problems by building or creating things. This helps keep a huge concept accessible to a younger audience.
Once they have a definition it is time to put that idea into action. We read a story, determine the problem in the story and then solve it by creating something. I love watching their creativity explode when they get the freedom to design as they choose. They do have constraints however. When I limit time and materials it helps them push the boundaries of their thinking to make things work in a whole new way.
Engineering is also a great time to explore collaboration. I almost always have my kids work in groups so that they learn how to “share the stage” taking ideas from each person to create something novel and unique. It isn’t always easy for little ones to collaborate in this way, but it is worthwhile. In no time, they are seeing how amazing their products are when they share ideas.
I always love doing engineering projects with the kids!
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