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Engineering Elephants: Introducing Young Children to Engineering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2011

Emily M. Hunt ,
Michelle L. Pantoya  and
Abbye M. Reeves
Emily M. Hunt
Affiliation:
Engineering and Computer Science, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016
Michelle L. Pantoya
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
Abbye M. Reeves
Affiliation:
Lubbock Independent School District, Lubbock, TX 79424
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Abstract

In this study, the authors focused on children from 2-8 years of age and asked the simple question: what do engineers do? The number one response was: “I don’t know”, the number two response was “they drive a train.” While children are very familiar with professionals such as doctors, teachers, nurses, firefighters and policemen, they are rarely introduced to engineers. With this motivation, the authors developed a novel children’s book on engineering: Engineering Elephants. This book is an outreach tool that introduces children to the dynamic world of engineering design through roller coasters, fireworks, and a plethora of other exciting adventures. The book teaches children about relevant topics such as nanotechnology, renewable energy, and prosthetics by engaging them through an interactive journey of an elephant and his questioning of the world around him. The text was strategically developed using the language of science (asking questions) and introducing vocabulary relevant to science and math using a lyrical pattern. This presentation will highlight the development of this book as an instructional aid but also detail the response of various age groups to engineering activities presented as a companion to this book. In particular, an elementary school district in West Texas designed a 4-5th grade 3-week summer school curriculum around this book. Results from this study will have an impact on future generations by inspiring them to consider the exciting profession of engineering at an early age.

Keywords

educationenergetic materialnanoscale
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1320: Symposium XX – Materials Education Development and Outreach—From K-Grad , 2011 , mrsf10-1320-xx01-01
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011

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References

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