Summer Enrichment for Children: Igniting an Interest in Engineering

• In Event: Science Teaching and Learning: Elementary Science Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efforts of a local university in providing students opportunities to attend a summer engineering camp. Through the camp, Grades 3-6 children engaged in engineering with peers, teachers, and professional engineers. This paper reports on the impacts made on student recognition of the role of engineers, interest in engineering, and use of the engineering design process (EDP). We found that students frequently used and reflected on the engineering design process as they designed and created solutions to address the real-world problems.

Authors

• Deborah D. Dailey, University of Central Arkansas

• Jason Trumble, University of Central Arkansas

• Michelle Buchanan, University of Central Arkansas

• Alicia Cotabish, University of Central Arkansas