With the Young Engineers educational program, children are transformed into little Engineers! They begin their journey by being introduced to the principles of programming logic for the first time (Scratch Jr). They create their first code in a playful manner and learn about algorithmic programming! They will then be guided to observe and reflect on their surroundings.Thus, they learn the fundamental building blocks of mechanical structures as well as the physical principles underlying them, such as gear motion, pulleys, levers, wheels, and axles. Children, through exploration, collaborate and “construct” their own knowledge. They create increasingly complex models of varying themes with appropriate building materials. They learn experimentally the usefulness of Simple Machines (gears, pulleys, levers) which is the basis of any construction (Engineering) and understand the concept of energy by introducing motors and batteries to give motion to the models they use. The aim of the lesson is for the children to work as a team, and to understand that a perfect machine consists of both construction and perfect programming. Also, to understand the importance of energy, its conversion, as well as to observe the world around them through the eyes of an Engineer!
Purpose of the program
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
- Recognize the simple machines in everyday objects,
- Build their own constructions that move with one or more simple machines,
- Understand the basic principles in programming and compose their own codes,
- Work in groups and cultivate creativity, collaboration, communication and creative thinking skills
Program info
- Age: Elementary 1, 2
- Number of activities: 30
- Duration of activity: 90′
- Students per classroom: 12
- Language: Greek / English