Novel Engineering
In novel engineering, students use the Design Thinking Process to help solve a problem for a character in a book. Through these learning sequences, students use engineering, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. They develop their Habits of Mind through hands-on activities that get them creating and building. Visit novelengineering.org to learn more about engaging your students in novel engineering.
Scroll down for TK-2 and Grade 3-5 Resources:
Tk-2
Engineering in the Next Generation Science Standards
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people solved through the development of a
new or improved object or tool.
K-2ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to
solve a given problem.
K-2ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of
how each performs.
Make Way for Ducklings
Millie Waits for the Mail
Creepy Carrots a story
Lessons designed by Zoë Randall and Lacy Szuwalski from San Diego Unified School District (Original Source)
Slides Created by: Our Friends at Escondido Union School District
3-5
The resources below are inspired by the Coding Our Future Team CS + Fables Curriculum and are designed to supplement CS Standards with NGSS. They are meant to supplement Grade 3 curriculum, however the Design Thinking Process and Novel Engineering can be used with any grade level. Just switch out the book with a novel that is relevant to students' learning in your classroom.
Engineering in the Next Generation Science Standards
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
3-5-ETS1-1 Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on
materials, time, or cost.
3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to
meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
3-5-ETS1-3 Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to
identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
Week 0
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
Professional Learning
Watch the Design Thinking Process modeled with teachers at the August STEAM Onboarding training.
Resources Created By: Zoë Randall and Lacy Szuwalski, SDUSD STEAM