Site icon STEM Education

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!

Objectives of the program

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Recognize the simple machines in everyday objects,
  2. Build their own constructions that move with one or more simple machines,
  3. Understand the basic principles in programming and compose their own codes,
  4. Work in groups and cultivate creativity, collaboration, communication and creative thinking skills.

Program info

  • Age: 6-7 years old
  • Number of activities: 30
  • Duration of activity: 90′
  • Students per classroom: 16

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

Exit mobile version