Science: a body of knowledge; seeks to describe and understand the natural world and its physical properties; used to make prediction; science uses a process to generate knowledge.Engineering: design under constraint; seeks solutions for societal problems and needs; aims to produce the best solution given resources and constraints; engineering uses a process to produce solutions and technologies.Technology: the body of knowledge, processes, and artifacts that result from engineering. (Boston Museum of Science)According to a 2000 study on math and science literacy by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development published in Readers Digest, American high school sophomores ranked 14th in science and an embarrassing 18th in math as compared to students in 25 developed countries. Only 6 percent of American high school seniors plan to pursue engineering degrees compared to 36 percent a decade ago. Engineers and scientists make up less than 5 percent of the U.S. population but create up to 50 percent of the gross national product.To combat the decline in math and science scores, the Boston Museum of Science, in partnership with teachers from five Massachusetts school districts, developed the Engineering is Elementary project.Sponsored by Intel Corp., the project goal is to promote engineering and technology literacy in elementary students through an interactive curriculum that emphasizes engineering and technology concepts and skills in science lessons.Only four school districts in the U.S. were selected for the pilot program: three in Massachusetts and School District 49. Four elementary schools: Remington, Stetson, Ridgeview and Woodmen Hills will soon begin using the first six units in their science classes.Thirty-five teachers from D 49 volunteered to participate in the pilot program, which kicked off in mid-Nov.Judy Cara, director of community relations for Intel in Colorado Springs, was instrumental in bringing the engineering in education program to D 49. “We felt D 49 was a good fit for EiE,” Cara said. “D 49 participates in Intel’s Gateway to Technology at the middle school to high school level. This program brings it down to the elementary level. It is critical to engage kids at this early age.” Through grants, Intel purchased the curriculum and paid for several teachers to receive training in Boston.Tom Junk, director of career academics for D 49 and Intel liaison, is thrilled with program. “We just completed the teacher training and will have 945 students participating,” Junk said. There are currently six units that cover materials, mechanical, environmental, civil, industrial and agricultural engineering. Another 14 units are in development. “Each unit allows hands on activities, such as building walls and windmills,” he said. “The curriculum also has a strong literacy component, which enhances district goals.”The curriculum begins with a storybook that features child characters from different countries or racial and ethnic backgrounds. The lead character is challenged in a specific area of engineering. With support from family and friends, the character creates a solution. Students then begin their own problem formation, iteration and testing in order to create their own solution to what they learned in the storybook.Why the early engineering start for kids? Children are born engineers. According to the Boston Museum of Science, “Describing their activities as engineering when they are engaged in the natural design process can help them develop positive associations with engineering, and increase their desire to pursue such activities in the future.”Cara and Junk agree: Combining science, engineering and technology in a hands-on environment fosters problem-solving skills and motivates students to learn more about the world around them. Engineers and scientists will continue to play a critical role in an increasingly global economy.
