Problem of Practice: How can we develop sustainable student classroom practices around engineering concepts while allowing reflective/reflexive teaching practices through the development of student passion projects?

District: Long Beach

School: Lido Elementary & West Elementary

Facilitator: Keino Baird

Principal Lido Elementary: Dr. Ivelisse Hernandez

Teachers: Janine Riomao, Marisa Lorenzo, Lauren Miller & Kylee Nicholls

Principal West Elementary: Amy Dirolf

Teachers: Courtney Elliot, Samantha Gropper, Tara Salvador, Michelle Spreckels & Jessica Donato

The action research component of the projects at Lido Elementary and West Elementary involves introducing students to concepts around engineering. Projects range from grades K-5 based on participating teachers and encompass all aspects of engineering based on student interest and passion. Initial topics of exploration ranged from aerospace engineering, environmental engineering, to engineering practices around building sustainable growing systems. Teachers spent time defining the broad concept of engineering with students beyond the traditional engineering disciplines to the application of engineering in the fields of software development, programming and computer science. For teachers, the process allowed them to exercise their ability to engage in reflective and reflexive practices, while utilizing the ISTE standards for educator practice.

Janine Riomao and Marisa Lorenzo - Lido Elementary

Action Research

Lesson Plan