Engineering and Computational Thinking Among Families Engaging With an Exhibit at a Science Center

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Contemporary Topics in Computer Science Education Research

Abstract

Out-of-school settings can play a major role in children’s learning processes and progressions. Museums exhibits are intentionally designed to promote learning and interest. Many engineering exhibits are designed promote children’s engineering skills as well as their understanding of engineering careers.
Along with engineering, computational thinking has recently gained attention in K-12 engineering education. Many posit that computational thinking and engineering thinking overlap and draw on each other. Previous studies showed that children enact both computational and engineering thinking while engaging in engineering exhibits with their families. However, no study has explored how both ways of thinking support each other. In this study, we examined instances of computational and engineering thinking enacted by families, and how they might impact each other.

Authors

• Hoda Ehsan, Purdue University

• Monica Elaine Cardella, Purdue University

• Gina Navoa Svarovsky, University of Notre Dame