PreK-12 Engineering was developed as a result of the change in the Massachusetts
Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Frameworks to include concepts from engineering including materials, design,
development and more. We provide classroom activities that fulfill the frameworks by teaching key engineering concepts and principles.
Activities for all grade levels are available in our
activities section.
The frameworks themselves along with our simplified interpretations are available in our
frameworks section.
Additionally, links to more information from outside sources are available in our
resources section.
Support for our activities and general help for your implementation of an engineering curriculum is provided via email on our
contact us page.
Currently, PreK-12 Engineering is targeted at Massachusetts Schools, however we hope to
expand in the future to include other states as they follow Massachusetts' lead in
adding engineering to their education frameworks.
top
What are the frameworks?
The frameworks as they are referred to in this web site, are the curriculum standards
used in Massachusetts' Schools. They consist of a number of documents that outline
what students need to accomplish in each grade level. You can learn more about the frameworks
in our
frameworks section.
top
Why was engineering added to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks?
Engineering was added to the frameworks to reflect a changing world in which technology is
critical to daily life. By exposing students to simple problem solving methods as well
as hands on work with technology, engineering makes it easy for students to deal
intelligently with the technological issues of modern life.
top
Does my state have engineering standards or frameworks?
Massachusetts is the only state to currently have engineering standards in the Curriculum Frameworks. Many
states have technology standards that include engineering components.
top
I am interested in working to have engineering standards in my state, what should I do?
There is no set path to follow that will result in having engineering standards in your state. However, there are some
key components to consider and work with if you want to move in that direction.
- Does your state have mandated curriculum standards?
If so,
- Do they include science and/or technology?
- How often does the content get reviewed that it can be changed?
If not,
- You can use the recommended national standards.
- Are the technology educators (not the computer people, the former industrial arts teachers)
part of a local association?
If so,
- Work with this group. They understand the importance of hands-on projects and using tools
to build things. Their work is actually closely linked with engineering, especially once the
engineering design process is included in the project work.
If not,
- See if you can find some active technology teachers that will support you.
- Find and work with active engineering faculty who understand the value of 'non-traditional' classrooms for
learning and have the desire to help students and teachers in the K-12 environment get excited about doing
engineering.
top
My state doesn't have engineering or technology frameworks. Are there national standards?
Since the federal government does not mandate educational standards there are no nationally required standards. Each state
sets their own educational standards. The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) worked with experts in
technology education to create the "Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology" a comprehensive
set of standards for grades K-12. These standards are an outstanding compilation that can be used. You can find information about the ITEA
standards at
www.iteawww.org.
top
Where can I get help with the classroom activities?
For help with activities send us an email at
[email protected]
and an advisor will respond to your question. You may also visit our
community section
to join our mailing list and receive periodic updates and news about our web site and our activities.
top
How do I use this web site?
You can navigate through our web site by clicking with your mouse on the menus at the
top of each page. The tabs represent the major sections of our web site. On some pages, below the
tabs will appear links to subsections within the current section. Below these links appears a path
that shows you where you are within the web site and links to the root sections. At the top and bottom of all pages
you will find a tool bar that contains search, glossary, faq, sitemap and contact features, use these to get help
at any time.
top
I have a question that wasn't answered here, where else can I get help?
Additional help is available by visiting our
contact us page. Send us an email and an
appropriate member of the PreK-12 Engineering staff will respond. We might even post your question here to help future users.
top
