Young Engineers
Engineering
With the Young Engineers educational program, children are transformed into little Engineers! They begin their journey by being introduced to the principles of programming logic for the first time (Scratch Jr). They create their first code in a playful manner and learn about algorithmic programming! They will then be guided to observe and reflect on their surroundings.Thus, they learn the fundamental building blocks of mechanical structures as well as the physical principles underlying them, such as gear motion, pulleys, levers, wheels, and axles. Children, through exploration, collaborate and “construct” their own knowledge. They create increasingly complex models of varying themes with appropriate building materials. They learn experimentally the usefulness of Simple Machines (gears, pulleys, levers) which is the basis of any construction (Engineering) and understand the concept of energy by introducing motors and batteries to give motion to the models they use. The aim of the lesson is for the children to work as a team, and to understand that a perfect machine consists of both construction and perfect programming. Also, to understand the importance of energy, its conversion, as well as to observe the world around them through the eyes of an Engineer!
Interdisciplinary topics
- Science: Friction, Energy transformation, Velocity, Force, Newton’s laws
- Technology: Simple Machines, Motion, Mechanisms
- Engineering: Problem Solving, Mechanical Advantage, Building Techniques
- Mathematics: Numbers, Motives, Calculations, Geometry
Chapters
Chapter 1: World of Engineering
Chapter 2: Building Techniques
Chapter 3: Gear
Chapter 4: Wheel and Axle
Chapter 5: Lever
Chapter 6: Pulley
Chapter 7: Team Project
Chapter 8: Open Projects