How to Use this Curriculum
Integration with Science: The Engineering is Elementary curriculum is NOT an independent curriculum. Rather, it is integrated with science; the lessons assume that the students are studying or have already studied the science concepts that are then utilized in the engineering lessons. Each EiE unit is paired with a science topic or topics that are commonly taught in elementary school. Our 20 Unit Overview details which science topics connected to each EiE unit. We suggest that the EiE unit be taught only in conjunction with, or soon after the science topic is taught. The EiE curriculum does not explicitly teach science topics, although science content may be referred to or reviewed. Each unit also focuses on:
- one field of engineering (such as mechanical or environmental).
- one country and culture from around the world.
Grade Level: An EiE unit should be taught in the grade level when the corresponding science concepts are addressed. Since most science topics are taught in a range of grade levels in different districts and states, the EiE units can be used in almost any grade. For each unit, the lesson plans are written either for basic or advanced students based on when the science units are more frequently taught. In EiE units, Grades 1-2 are generally considered basic and Grades 3-5 are considered advanced. However, depending on the abilities of students in any individual class, teachers can choose those that are best suited for their students. If the lesson plans are written for basic students, suggestions are included throughout the lesson plans for slight modifications that make the lesson more applicable for advanced students. If the lesson plans are written for advanced students, the reverse is true (suggestions are provided for teaching the unit with basic students). Similarly, each lesson contains two levels of student handouts: basic (labeled "B") and advanced (labeled "A"). Teachers can choose which set best fit the capabilities of their students.
Published Science Curricula: During development, EiE units are linked to science curricula currently being used in elementary school classrooms. Each unit is mapped to units developed by FOSS, GEMS, Insights, and STC. Click here for connections between specific EiE and published science curricula.
Stand-Alone Units: While the units are closely integrated with science concepts, they "stand alone" with respect to other EiE engineering units. Because teachers teach science concepts in different orders and at various grade levels, the units do not sequentially build upon one another and so can be used in any number or order.
Standards: Aligning instruction and assessment with educational standards is important. Extensive review of educational standards in both science and technology/engineering grounds each unit. The science, technology, and engineering standards that are covered in each lesson in each unit are identified in the Unit Summary Charts.
Materials: The activities and design challenges have purposefully been designed so they use simple and inexpensive materials.
English-Language Learners: Tips for enhancing the experience of English Language Learners while using the EiE materials are included in sidebars labeled "English Language Learners."
Assessment: Understanding students' preconceptions about a topic, how they are learning, and what they understand as a result of the experience are important considerations for teachers.
Answer Keys: Answer keys are provided following the duplication masters in each lesson. Given the open-ended nature of the engineering design process and that experimental results can not be predicted, answer keys cannot be provided for all lessons.
