Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners in K-8 Classrooms

by National Assoc for Gifted Children, Alicia Cotabish

Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners in K-8 Classrooms is an application-based practitioners' guide to applied engineering that is grounded in engineering practices found in the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Standards for Engineering Education. The book provides educators with information and examples on integrating engineering into existing and newly designed curriculum. The book specifies necessary components of engineering curriculum and instruction, recommends appropriate activities to encourage problem solving, creativity, and innovation, and provides examples of innovative technology in engineering curriculum and instruction. Additionally, authors discuss professional development practices to best prepare teachers for engineering instruction and provide recommendations to identify engineering talent among K-8 students. Finally, the book includes a wealth of resources, including sample lesson and assessment plans, to assist educators in integrating engineering into their curriculum and instruction.

236 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2016

Reviews

[Suzannah Hoppe-washburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received the book, Engineering Instruction for High Ability Leaners in K-8 Classrooms edited by Debbie Dailey, Ed.D., and Alicia Cotabish, Ed.D free to review. The book states that the audience is for teachers, but I disagree. The few applications mentioned in the book were bridge building, egg drop, Maker’s Space, and Lego Robotics. The remainder of the book stressed the importance of teaching engineering within the curriculum and demonstrated the research to prove that. If you are an administrator or lead teacher that is looking for research-based information on engineering instruction, this may be helpful. As a teacher, I found very few of the chapters actually helpful in instruction, and the research information, although interesting, could have been reduced to one chapter.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a collection of articles on why and how to use engineering instruction in elementary and middle grade curriculum and instruction. Some chapters/articles are far better than others in this regard. I found those with clear curriculum recommendations, especially examples, to be the most useful in this regard. The chapters/articles that were my favorite were Ch 4 "Creating a Climate" on inventive process Ch 5 on Art integration, Ch 9 Design Process, Ch 13 Spatial Skills.

My greatest critique of this book is that it is titled and emphasizes high-ability learners but really most (if not all) of the concepts and ideas presented in the book apply to all learners. I was grateful that the last chapter (Ch 13) really emphasized that all learners benefit from developing these skills. Also, far too much time was devoted to "why" engineering instruction is good/important and not enough was spent on how to do it well. Presumably if you're reading the book you already think/know it's important so that's not really useful.

Now that I've finished I'm giving it as a resource to my child's elementary school.
I received this book free as an early reader to review.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a teacher, so I cannot address how exactly this text compares to any other education related text. However, I found it clear, practical, and full of potential ways to engage students in engineering activities - with the purpose of teaching engineering, but also for math and spatial skills or application of other science and reasoning skills. This covers everything from why engineering should be part of STEM curricula, sample lesson plans for STEM activities focused on engineering and technology, assessment, and tons of resources.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.