Category Archives: Child Development

Natural Engineering – Ice Castles

Posted on February 29, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

Here’s another example of natural engineering I saw at school a few weeks ago.  A group first and second grade girls made these ice castles.  It was part of a creative, fantasy line they had invented.  We need to tap … Continue reading →

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Blocks In Grades 2

Posted on February 28, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

Here’s a photo of our second grade classroom.  This is one of the few teachers I know who tries to continue the use of blocks during class time beyond kindergarten.  I think it is important to provide building opportunities, whether … Continue reading →

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Recent Robot Magic

Posted on February 1, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

We had some great experiences with the grade 1 and 2 students this week. When I asked our grade 2 students to recall what they knew about some parts this week for their first robotics class of the year, we … Continue reading →

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Research Protocols

Posted on January 19, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I have been thinking of the yearly research tasks I want to do. Would appreciate any feedback since I know very little about standard educational research. Elementary Engineering Robotics Case Study Yearly Research Tasks John Heffernan, Hampshire Regional Schools Research … Continue reading →

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Yearly Case Study Task

Posted on December 22, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

Would love some feedback on this… Case Study Yearly Task Research Questions 1. What are the developmental milestones in young children’s engineering skills? 2. How will the deliberate teaching of engineering at a young age affect subsequent interest in engineering? … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics, Technology | 2 Comments

Kid’s Understanding of Engineering Requirements

Posted on December 14, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I had an interesting experience today in our fourth grade open ended engineering challenge.  The students have to build and market a burglar alarm using the Lego WeDo Robotics Kit and Resource Kit (extra parts).  One team had the tilt … Continue reading →

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Elementary Robotics Here – How It All Started

Posted on November 28, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

When I came to the Williamsburg Schools eight years ago, there was an established robotics program for sixth graders, which I continued.  It was based on the older Lego RCX robots, which were problem prone.  A grade 1/2 teacher and … Continue reading →

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Legos – Does The Idea Come First or the Blocks?

Posted on November 22, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I was building with Legos last night with my 5 year old son and he told me that he thinks of the idea for a Lego creation first and then builds it.  I usually look at the blocks first and … Continue reading →

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3 Year Third Grade Students

Posted on November 22, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

The third grade robotics students seem very proficient to me in both building and programming.  I started this group in grade 1 with WeDo robotics.  I wish I could quantify this more.  I will be able to compare their open … Continue reading →

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iPad versus Computer

Posted on November 10, 2011 by JohnHeffernan

I initially saw the iPad as handy way to consume content without having the bulk and  “long” startup times of my laptop.  So I mostly used it to consume content:  check but not write email, check Facebook, web sites, etc.  … Continue reading →

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