Key points:
- Engineering doesn’t have to be intimidating
- Engineering helps students learn the mechanics of their world
Engineering is arguably one of the most useful and relevant subjects in our schools today. Its impact on our world cannot be overstated. Engineers are the ones who help humanity reach the moon, explore the depths of the ocean, help treat serious illnesses, and even design many of the games our students play.
Unfortunately, engineering can often seem like a separate unit or idea that teachers need to explain. Because many educators today already feel overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities, finding ways to seamlessly integrate engineering into the curriculum is essential for teacher and student success.
Engineering is about creating and putting into practice solutions to human problems. It can branch out into chemistry, biology and all scientific fields. So what does it look like in the classroom?
Here are some strategies teachers can use to integrate engineering into their school curriculum:
1. Just start: Engineering doesn’t have to be complex to stimulate student creativity and critical thinking. Simple activities like building a glider out of paper and plastic straws or designing ways for a plastic diver to stay afloat in a pool of water can go a long way to sparking kids’ imaginations. students. They are also a good method to promote general engineering skills such as collaboration and communication.