Changes for the 2016-2017 School Year

Students started back for the new school year this past.  The past four years as the elementary engineering teacher has led to me seeking as much professional development as possible and changes each year in instructional practices.  I have also completed my Ed.D. in Educational Technology during these past four years and hope to publish more about the use of educational technology in the elementary engineering classroom.  With the "extra time" I know have after completing my coursework, I want to begin by publishing academic papers from my dissertation data and providing more resources for teachers who are interested through this blog.

During the past four years, instruction in the elementary engineering lab has focused on hands-on, problem-based learning.  Students work individually, with partners, and in small groups depending upon the project.  Projects include building working models with LEGOs, K'NEX, and Fischertechnik.  In addition, students complete 3D printing projects.  Students in first through fifth grade use robotics.  First and second grade students use the LEGO WeDo robots.  Third through fifth grade students use LEGO Mindstorms.  Fourth and fifth grade students complete a problem-based project with robotics that focuses on identifying a problem, designing a robotic solution, and building and testing the working solution.

As I mentioned to the students last week, sometimes when we try something new it doesn't work.  I told students we are going to try this and do our best to make it work. Updates on the progress of these new changes will be coming along with additional resources I am using in the classroom.

Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning Resources:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/science-inquiry-claim-evidence-reasoning-eric-brunsell
https://www.nsta.org/elementaryschool/connections/201104ClaimsEvidenceRubric.pdf
http://www.activatelearning.com/claim-evidence-reasoning/
http://bpssciencecer.weebly.com/examples-from-workshop.html

Student Menu Choices:
http://curry.virginia.edu/uploads/resourceLibrary/nagc_choice_menus.pdf

Bono's Six Thinking Hats Resources:
http://www.debonogroup.com/six_thinking_hats.php
http://sisdtx.sharpschool.com/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17274974