Elementary ®
Engineering is
Elementary ®
Written by Christopher M . Very , Proud Principal of Jefferson Elementary School and WJHSD ASSET STEM Education Support on Site
Fifth grade students were recently confronted with the complex task of collaborating with an environmental engineer to assist in cleaning up an “ oil spill .” Throughout this investigation ( A Slick Solution : Cleaning an Oil Spill ), students took on the active role of designing solutions to unfortunate environmental problems such as these . This activity is part of a cross-curricular unit associated with the recently acquired Engineering is Elementary ® ( EiE ) modules that have been implemented throughout our elementary schools . These EiE modules are taught in conjunction with / or following an ASSET STEM Education science module , aimed at actively engaging our students in meaningful , real-world , STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Art , and Mathematics ) related activities . In addition to reinforcing numerous scientific concepts , these standards-driven , research-based modules also integrate engineering and technological literacy among children while promoting higher level problem-solving skills .
With the recent revisions to the elementary science curriculum , the curriculum writing team identified potential gaps and researched new , innovative and engaging opportunities for our elementary students . This extensive process resulted in the implementation of several EiE modules as well as revising the ASSET STEM Education science modules delivered to our students at each grade level . These new educational programs also opened up the opportunity to develop
collaborative , sustaining partnerships with local engineering resources . For example , Jefferson Elementary School ’ s fifth-grade science teachers , Mrs . Adriane Rybka and Mrs . Susie Reynolds , recently collaborated with the Engineers ’ Society of Western Pennsylvania , who have strong partnerships with a number of different companies / organizations throughout our area , to provide our students with an interactive engineering presentation led by engineer Mr . Dominick DeSalvo ( DeSalvo Enterprises Inc .). This is just one of the many ways that our educators continue to take advantage of our strong partnerships with community resources to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all of our students .
Additional EiE kits that have been implemented across the intermediate grade levels include : “ The Best of Bugs , Designing a Hand Pollinator ” ( 3rd grade ) and “ An Alarming Idea , Designing Alarm Circuits ” ( 4th Grade ). For additional information related to ASSET STEM Education and module descriptions , please visit www . assetinc . org . Furthermore , a complete listing of all elementary ASSET STEM and EiE modules can be located on the Jefferson Elementary School website at http :// www . wjhsd . net / jeffersonelementary _ home . aspx ; under the ASSET STEM link on the left hand side .
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