The Go-To Guide for Engineering Curricula, PreK-5

"It′s heartening to see how highly regarded science educators like Cary Sneider and Janet Kolodner are proposing that engineering becomes a focal point of preK-5 curriculum and instruction. Engineering has a unique potential to contextualize science in contexts that are meaningful and authentic to children (and their teachers).

Dr. Sneider′s Go-To-Guide provides a framework for implementation, exemplary models, and sound advice to teachers wishing to embed engineering design and engineering thinking into their instructional programs.

Dr. Cary Sneider has chosen to highlight a series of pedagogically sound and contemporary curriculum materials to serve as exemplars. Teachers and curriculum decision makers would do well to review and consider adopting the materials highlighted in his book."

-- Michael Hacker, Co-Director
"Dr. Sneider’s book is a just-in-time, much needed resource for elementary teachers, administrators, and teacher educators.   With the advent of the Next Generation Science Standards and other increasing emphases on engineering in the classroom, many practicing elementary teachers are in great need of support.  They need to know that there are high-quality, well-thought-out curricular options that they can use to scaffold engineering in their classrooms.  This book provides exactly the introduction that they need.  The curricula are thoroughly described, and the book includes everything that a teacher or an administrator needs to evaluate a curriculum for potential classroom use.  The link to the NGSS objectives, that is included with each chapter, is of particular advantage. This book is an extremely valuable tool in a quickly changing field of education." -- Laura Bottomley, Director
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With engineering getting increased attention in the elementary science curriculum, this book is a tremendous resource for districts seeking high quality curricula that connect engineering with science and support the integrated nature of STEM learning both inside and outside of the school day.

 

High quality curricula is the linchpin of effective teaching and learning. With the prominence of elementary engineering in the NGSS and revisions to state standards, elementary teachers and curriculum specialists will find this book of tremendous value in selecting curricula that integrate engineering and science. From an overview of the importance of engineering in the elementary grades to vivid descriptions of a variety of PreK-5 curricular resources, this book provides the information educators need to make sound curricular decisions that support the development of engineering concepts and practices.

 

Elementary schools are faced with the exciting challenge of moving from science programs to STEM-related programs. Selection of high quality curricula is a key part of meeting this challenge. This book provides descriptions of well-designed school and out of school instructional materials as well as the background for understanding the critical and timely importance of including engineering in the PreK-5 science curriculum.

 

Knowledge and confidence to teach engineering in the elementary science curriculum comes with access to high quality instructional materials. Without question, this book provides the information teachers and curriculum specialists need to make well-informed decisions that will give students the opportunity to use the engineering design process to both apply and develop their knowledge of science. With elementary engineering in the STEM spotlight, this book is timely and much needed!"

-- Page Keeley, Author, Speaker, and Science Education Consultant
" I see this book as not only presenting a comprehensive introduction to a number of quality commercial elementary engineering programs (which it does well), but also framing them in the context of the need for and power of engineering education. The overview of NGSS anchors the material in the book within that larger field of science education today. As such, the book becomes much more than a presentation of commercial products." -- David Vernot, Curriculum Consultant