Children as Engineers

This practical guide offers elementary educators a structured framework for integrating hands-on engineering challenges into their science and design technology curriculum. Lewis presents a series of classroom-tested projects that directly address curriculum requirements while developing students' problem-solving abilities and STEM thinking. The book's explicit focus on sustainability provides real-world context that helps children understand the relevance of their engineering work. Teachers will appreciate how these activities naturally connect scientific concepts with practical design applications.

What distinguishes this resource is its dual focus on both student learning and teacher professional development, making it equally valuable for educators new to engineering education and those seeking to refresh their approach. The engineering challenges are thoughtfully sequenced to build skills progressively while maintaining student engagement through authentic problem-solving scenarios. This book will particularly benefit teachers looking for concrete ways to implement STEM education that meets curriculum standards without sacrificing creativity or hands-on learning. Lewis successfully demonstrates how young students can develop genuine engineering habits of mind through age-appropriate, sustainable design challenges.