Engineering is important and rational for children because:

• It helps them develop logical and analytical thinking skills that are useful for solving problems and making decisions.

• It enhances their creativity and collaboration by encouraging them to work in teams and generate multiple solutions for a given challenge.

• It exposes them to various disciplines and domains that are related to engineering, such as robotics, aerospace, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

• It inspires them to pursue their interests and passions by providing them with hands-on and project-based learning opportunities.

• It prepares them for the future by empowering them to create and innovate solutions that can improve the quality of life and address the needs of society.

• 0-2 years: Provide children with sensory materials, such as blocks, balls, or tubes, that they can manipulate and observe. Encourage them to notice the different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures of the materials. Ask them questions about how they can stack, roll, or connect the materials.

• 2-3 years: Provide children with simple engineering challenges, such as building a tower, a bridge, or a ramp, that they can solve using different materials. Encourage them to try different ideas, test their solutions, and compare the results. Ask them questions about what they made and why they think it works.

• 3-5 years: Provide children with engineering projects, such as making a car, a boat, or a windmill, that they can design and create using different materials and tools. Encourage them to use their imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills to complete the projects. Ask them questions about what they learned and how they can improve their work.

• 6-8 years: Provide children with engineering activities, such as designing a house, a robot, or a game, that they can plan and execute using different digital technologies. Encourage them to use the features and functions of the technologies to enhance their products, systems, or processes. Ask them questions about what they want to achieve and how they can do it effectively.

Inquiry-based learning: This is the approach of engaging students in asking questions, conducting investigations, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating their findings. Inquiry-based learning can help students develop scientific and engineering skills, knowledge, and attitudes.

Project-based learning: This is the approach of involving students in authentic and meaningful projects that require them to apply their engineering understanding and skills to solve real-world problems or challenges. Project-based learning can help students develop creative thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Design thinking: This is the process of solving problems or creating products by using a balance of empathy, creativity, and rationality. Design thinking can help students develop human-centered, innovative, and feasible solutions.

Challenge-based learning: This is the approach of challenging students to identify and address a significant problem or issue that affects their lives or communities. Challenge-based learning can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic engagement skills.

Flipped classroom: This is the approach of reversing the traditional order of instruction by delivering the content online before the class and using the class time for active learning activities. Flipped classroom can help students prepare for the class, engage in the class, and apply their learning after the class.