Engineering: Replicating an Artifact
The 3rd grade students participated in a 2-week unit dealing working the different aspects needed to replicate an artifact. During the first 5-6 days, the student collaborated with one another, researched different materials, and completed numerous tests dealing with hardness and durability of multiple materials. The replicas of the petroglyph took up the rest of the class periods. Replicas of the petroglyph completed by the students made their on solid materials such as… Limestone, Marble, Wax, Granite, Foam, Soapstone, Alabaster, and Pumice. Engineering Is Elementary kits increased my ability to increase children’s technological literacy. This unit provided a pathway for the students to engage in the field of material engineering. The students learn nearly everything in the human world has been ‘touched’ by technology. The students we able to apply the Engineering Design Process and work a lot with math and science at the same time. They were also able to use creativity to troubleshoot and learn from failure.
I picked the Engineering Is Elementary kits because kids are fascinated with building/constructing things. The EIE kits integrates many different fields of engineer with subject are K-6 students are learning about on a daily basis. At an early age, our students at Central Lyon are more aware to possible careers in engineering fields they may have an interested in. The instruction is mostly student lead with the instructor being more of a facilitator. It is also very convenient and important that each kit is well aligned with the New Iowa Science Standards.
