Q: How do I buy your materials?
A: EiE materials (Teacher Guides, storybooks, etc.) may be purchased either through the EiE store (www.eiestore.com) or by mailing or faxing a purchase order to:
Engineering is Elementary
Museum of Science
Science Park
Boston, MA 02114
Fax: 617-589-4448
Teacher Guides and Storybooks will ship within 5 days of receiving your order. Currently, materials kits and kit refills are not available. If you would like to be notified when they become available please email your request and email address to eie[at]mos.org.
Q: How do I select which EiE unit to teach my class?
A: Each EiE unit ties in with a specific elementary science topic (see 20 Unit Overview) and is meant to be taught either concurrently or after students learn the appropriate science content. Each EiE Teacher Guide includes a list of the relevant science concepts as well as a list of lessons from frequently used science curricula (FOSS, Gems, STC, and Insights) related to each EiE lesson.
Q: What is in an EiE Teacher Guide?
A: Each EiE unit focuses on one particular field of engineering, one science topic, and is set in a specific country or state. Each EiE teacher guide includes:
- A storybook that introduces basic engineering content, related science topics and highlights the engineering activities in which students will engage. Each story focuses on a child character from a different racial or ethnic background or country and includes original illustrations.
- Lesson Plans with detailed instructions for teachers, as well as suggestions for English Language Learner students, and modifications to make each lesson simpler or more advanced, depending on students? abilities.
- Student Duplication Masters that are ready to photocopy for students. Duplication Masters are often written in two levels: one for Advanced elementary students and one for Basic elementary students.
- Background information and additional resources for teachers.
Q: How do I attend professional development workshops?
A: Our professional development schedule is located on our Professional Development Page. To reserve a space at an upcoming workshop, or for information regarding holding an EiE workshop in your school or district, contact Sharlene at syang[at]mos.org or 617-589-4434.
Q: Do your EiE materials teach science?
A: Although science content is embedded in our units, EiE units are not designed to teach science. They are designed to teach engineering skills to elementary school students in conjunction with science topics that are already being taught in the classroom. The units allow students to apply their science knowledge in an engineering context. EiE units are a supplement to science education, not a replacement.
Q: For which grade level is each EiE unit written?
A: EiE units are associated with particular science topics, rather than specific grade levels. However, each unit is generally targeted at either Advanced (grades 3-5) or Basic (grades 1-2) elementary school students, depending upon the grade level at which the science topic is most commonly taught. All EiE units also include modifications to make activities more challenging or simpler, based on the abilities of your students, as well as two versions of many of the Duplication Masters (one for Advanced students and one for Basic students).
Q: How long does it typically take to complete an EiE unit?
A: Each EiE unit typically takes 8-10, 40-minute class periods to complete. This depends upon the ability and age of your students, as well as how many times your students "Improve" their designs!
Q: When do I teach which unit?
A: Each EiE unit is designed to be taught with a specific science topic. To decide which EiE units are appropriate for your classroom, look at the science topics you currently teach. Using the 20 Unit Overview you can determine which EiE units will compliment your current science curriculum.
Q: Do the units build on one another?
A: No. All EiE units are designed to "stand alone" with regard to other EiE units. Because teachers teach science concepts in different orders and at various grade levels, the units do not sequentially build upon one another and therefore can be used in any number or order.
Q: Do you have any data to show it works?
A: Our most recent data on EiE is located on our Research and Assessment Page.
Q: How many teachers are using this?
A: Currently, over 750 teachers across Massachusetts have been trained in EiE, with an additional 400 across the country. We have field sites in California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, and New Jersey. In addition, we have worked directly with teachers from 28 states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, IA, MA, MD, MI, MN, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, RI, SD, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI, WY) and the District of Columbia.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: For more information or to get involved, please contact us.
Q: Are EiE units mapped to standards?
A: Yes. All EiE units are mapped to Massachusetts Engineering & Technology Standards, and ITEA Standards for Technilogical Literacy. Each Teacher Guide outlines the specific standards that are addressed in that unit. Key science topics are also identified.
Q: Can this be used for clubs, after school programs, and home school situations?
A: Yes, EiE units can be used in places other than the classroom. Although we suggest teaching EiE units to children who have been exposed to the related science content, students will still benefit from the design challenge without formal exposure to the underlying science. The unit lessons will give students the necessary background knowledge to succeed in the design challenge.
Q: What types of materials will I need?
A: Materials needed vary greatly for each unit. The activities and design challenges have purposefully been designed so that they use simple, inexpensive materials. Check out the Materials Kits on our website for lists of the materials needed to complete each unit.
Q: Do I have to use your materials kits? If not, how do I get the materials?
A: Materials kits are not currently available from EiE. Units are designed in a way so that nearly all materials can be inexpensively obtained at local grocery, craft, department, or hardware stores. Complete materials lists are located in each Teacher Guide.
Q: What can I photocopy?
A: You may photocopy duplication masters for use in your classroom. You are not permitted to photocopy the lessons.
Q: I have a question! Where can I get more information about EiE?
A: If you can't find the information you need, please contact us with a specific question.
