An Early Childhood Engineering Instructional Model
Abstract: The current work explored a pedagogical inquiry for teaching K-2 Engineering content. Providing opportunities for exploration, discovery learning, and practical applications of STEM in early childhood promotes the development of scientific identities. A Framework for K-12 Science Instruction from the National Research Council and Next Generation Science Standards were studied, and Disciplinary Core Ideas, Scientific and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and performance expectations for K-2 Engineering Design were reviewed. Defining a problem, developing and using models, and analyzing and interpreting data are fundamental practices of engineering instruction for early learners. Instructional fidelity and alignment with components of K-2 Engineering Design prepare students for future learning within a K-12 progression of engineering content. Web-based engineering resources were identified, and a model for teaching engineering content to young learners was created based on the review of background frameworks.