Category Archives: Child Development
Spinning Top Misconceptions
The study of alternative or common misconceptions is an active educational research field (Confrey 1990). I have been paying more attention to it in my second grade robotics unit this year which focuses on gears and pulleys. One the of … Continue reading
New Social Technologies
I noticed for the first time this year (when sixth graders were doing their yearbook pages), how much of their photos are on Instagram and other social media. In the past, kids have brought in photos on CD and USB … Continue reading
Adapting Classic Computer Science Problems for Elementary Students: Case Study of the Four Color Map Theorem
Here’s the abstract for a little research project I am planning for my final project for my inquiry learning course. Still trying to pinpoint exactly what to collect for data and what I am looking for. I tend to be … Continue reading
Data Analysis And Implications – Grade 6 Survey
In a previous post ( http://kidsengineer.com/?p=572 ) I showed a graph of sixth grade attitudes towards computers/technology and engineering as a career. This results were pre/post surveys before and after a grade 6 robotics unit. The students had not experienced … Continue reading
Self-talk and Kid’s Building
I noticed a lot of self-talk during the case study building sessions last year with kindergarten kids. You may recall that I am going a seven year case study starting in grade K and going to grade 6 with 8 … Continue reading
Robotics Starts!
I had my first robotics class last week. In order to get every grade level done, I need to start in September. I am starting with grade 4 (2 sections) this year. The kids were very eager to get going. … Continue reading
Grade 6 Survey Results
This cohort had 2 years of LEGO robotics. Last year’s only had one. Also, the unit was much more successful this year. I did change the wording of the engineering question slightly this year to match another study sponsored by … Continue reading
First Year of Case Study – Observations
I saw some interesting things in the first year of the seven-year longitudinal case study of engineering skills of young children from grades K to 6. Each year, they will be given a variety of materials and be asked to … Continue reading
Science Fair Take Apart Center
Students excitedly take apart old computers at our 2012 Williamsburg, MA Science Fair and learn about computers in the process.
Sixth Grade Dragster Robots
Check out the level of excitement of Tori and Bella as they used some great teamwork and engineering to produce a really fast robot dragster using 3 chained gears.
