Project Introduction: The project, which will be the first of its kind locally at an elementary level, will focus on blending the aspects of engineering and technology through the use of 3D printing, real world engineering kits, and robotics. Students will use a free online program called Tinkercad to learn about computer-aided design at an elementary level and then print their 3D creations to connect the concept of computer design with actual product. To further introduce students to the idea that there are many different kinds of engineers, Engineering is Elementary kits will be purchased so students can explore firsthand the processes that go behind solving more complex engineering problems. Finally, students will experience engineering and computer coding through Sphero Mini robots, 4M Tin Can Robots, 11 in 1 Robolink robots, and build-your-own remote control machines.
The objectives and plan for addressing the need.
Question: By systematically introducing enrichment students at an elementary level to the field of engineering and robotics, will these students take a deeper interest and experience greater levels of success in STEM courses and careers later in life?
Objectives: There is little question that introducing students to STEM activities and career possibilities will have a positive impact on our community’s youth. According to a variety of sources, STEM jobs on average pay better than other careers and are currently in high demand, often without enough qualified candidates to fill the need. As our students live in a rural community that is considered to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, many do not have the opportunities to become engaged and interested in these types of careers outside of school. The main objective of this project is therefore to introduce students to the concepts of engineering and computer skills that will be fostered later in their educational experience and lead to informed coursework and career decisions.
Other objectives include:
The objectives and plan for addressing the need.
Question: By systematically introducing enrichment students at an elementary level to the field of engineering and robotics, will these students take a deeper interest and experience greater levels of success in STEM courses and careers later in life?
Objectives: There is little question that introducing students to STEM activities and career possibilities will have a positive impact on our community’s youth. According to a variety of sources, STEM jobs on average pay better than other careers and are currently in high demand, often without enough qualified candidates to fill the need. As our students live in a rural community that is considered to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, many do not have the opportunities to become engaged and interested in these types of careers outside of school. The main objective of this project is therefore to introduce students to the concepts of engineering and computer skills that will be fostered later in their educational experience and lead to informed coursework and career decisions.
Other objectives include:
- promoting authentic teamwork and critical thinking skills.
- providing a challenge for those students who perhaps often face few challenges academically.
- focusing on the link between current engineering challenges and the use of technology to create designs and solve tasks.
- 3D printer and supplies: The printer that will be purchased with the grant is a QIDI TECH 1. Enclosed for student protection, the printer comes with two free filaments and has a dual extruder so students can print more interesting designs. Additional filaments will be purchased for more color options and sustainability of the 3D printing aspect of the project.
- Engineering is Elementary kits: These kits combine multicultural literature with engineering concepts. Each contains a picture book where a character from different countries around the world must learn from an adult engineer and then apply the Engineering Design Process to a problem in his or her own life. Information is then provided for students to learn new vocabulary words, geographical information, and facts about the particular type of engineering focused on within each kit. Once students have the information they need, they will then conduct engineering tasks with the provided materials to solve a similar problem to the fictional character in the opening story. The two kits requested are The Best of Bugs: Designing Hand Pollinators and Taking the Plunge: Designing Submersibles. Funding would include purchasing the teacher guides, class sets of storybooks, kits, and a kit refill for the consumable materials.
- Sphero Mini: This miniature robot resembles a pingpong ball, but with many more possibilities! Students can manually drive the robot, or use differing levels of computer coding to program the Sphero to drive itself. The small size is perfect for the small space of a classroom and they connect to devices using Bluetooth. 10 robots and colored shells to differentiate between them would be purchased.
- 4M Tin Can Robot: Combining recycling with robotics, students use provided materials to build a robot using a pop can for its body. This is a good introductory project for students to learn about assembling robotics before attempting a more challenging kit. 10 kits would be purchased.
- 11 in 1 programmable Robolink robot kit: A more advanced robotics building challenge for later in the year, students choose from 11 designs to create robots that can do a variety of tasks including following lines, finding the edge of a table, and playing a game. The pieces can then be disassembled and rebuilt into another design. Computer coding is required to run this robot. The kit comes with free video tutorials to teach students how to use the Arduino coding platform. 8 kits would be purchased.
- Thames and Kosmos Remote Control Machines kit: This kit contains enough pieces to build one of ten machines that run by remote control. The pieces could also be used to build a unique machine of a child’s own design. Once a challenge has been proposed to the class, students would have to determine and construct which machine would be best suited to solving the problem. 10 kits would be purchased.