Science and Engineering Institute

Engineering for elementary students!?

Children are fascinated by building, taking things apart to see how they work, and by the chance to create and test something on their own.  Opportunities to engage in design engineering fosters problem solving skills, can be integrated with other disciplines, and allows students to apply their understanding of science concepts to real world problems.  When we describe these explorations as engineering and give them a process for designing, students can develop positive associations with engineering and science, and have a great time doing it! 

 The VSI Science and Engineering Institute will help teachers infuse engineering into their classrooms and feature instruction in science content, engineering practices, and the strategies for teaching science and engineering. Integration of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will be featured.   Additionally, our partnership with the research-based Engineering is Elementary (EiE)* from the Boston Museum of Science will provide the training and kit resources to help project teachers apply and implement their STEM understanding to the classroom.   Program details:

  • Audience:  Teams of teachers of science from a district or school in grades 1-6
  • Content:  The Institute will focus on concepts centered around the big idea of Energy and will be aligned with the Vermont Grade Expectations for Science and the 2011 Framework for Science Education K-12.  Transfer of energy and the different forms of energy (e.g. electricity, heat, light, sound, solar, wind) and how they behave will be explored.  Additionally, teachers will engage in their own design challenge around an energy related problem. 
  •  Format: 
    • 7 day summer Institute
    • 3 Follow up days during the fall for sustained support as practices are implemented.
    • EiE training and classroom materials.  Staff from the Museum of Science will provide training and materials preparing you to use your module in the fall with students.
  • Dates:   June 25 – July 2, 2012 and 3 follow- up days in Fall 2012, 8:30-4:00
  • Location: Norwich University

  • Stipend:  $500 Stipend, EiE materials, meals, and lodging.
  • Cost:  $1375 with 3 credits

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Application Guidelines/Criteria

*The Engineering is Elementary® (EiE) project provides a research-based, standards-driven curriculum that integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary science topics.  EiE lessons connect with literacy and social studies and promote STEM learning. For further information, please go to: http://www.mos.org/eie/

     

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