Engineering

Designing, building, and problem-solving through creative construction

Theoretical Foundations

Engineering experiences in early childhood are deeply informed by key educational theories that support hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Piaget’s constructivist theory views children as active problem-solvers who develop understanding by manipulating and experimenting with materials in their environment. Expanding on this, Papert’s constructionism emphasises the role of design and tangible creation—children build meaning as they construct real objects like towers, machines, or simple models (Papert, 1980). Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory further highlights the importance of social collaboration, where engineering play fosters cognitive development through shared dialogue, guidance, and cooperative problem-solving (Smolucha & Smolucha, 2021). Together, these frameworks validate the integration of engineering in early learning as a powerful approach for encouraging both individual creativity and group-based discovery. 

Materials, Resources and Technologies

Engineering play thrives on open-ended materials that invite tinkering and iteration. Suggested tools include:

These encourage trial-and-error learning, spatial reasoning, and co-construction of ideas (Nikolopoulou, 2022). 

Creative Engineering Experiences by Age Group

Infants (0–2 Years)

• Stack and Tumble Play

Infants explore stacking soft blocks or containers and watching them fall, supporting motor coordination and cause-effect understanding (Gonzalez-Mena, 2019).

• Push-and-Roll Exploration

Using ramps or inclined surfaces, babies roll balls or toy cars down and experiment with slope and gravity through repetitive actions.

Toddlers (2–3 Years)

• Bridge Building with Blocks

Toddlers attempt to span gaps using different block shapes, developing problem-solving and emerging spatial concepts (Ata-Aktürk & Demircan, 2020).

• Ramp Races

Using planks and toy vehicles, children compare speeds and incline angles, engaging in prediction and testing (STEMIE – Tinker Box).

Preschoolers (3–5 Years)

• Create a Tool Challenge

Children design simple tools from household items to move objects (e.g. a scoop or grabber), fostering innovation and functional thinking (Nikolopoulou, 2022).

• LEGO Structure Stability Test

Children build towers or bridges from LEGO and test them against wind (fan) or weight, encouraging design improvement through iteration.

School Age (6–8 Years)

• Design a Playground

Using paper, recyclables, or digital design apps, children plan a playground with slides, swings, and tunnels, developing architectural awareness and user-centred design thinking (AGDE, 2022).

• Egg Drop Engineering

Children use recycled materials to design a protective casing for an egg drop, exploring gravity, force, and protection in a playful STEM challenge (STEMIE – Tinker Box).

Children engaging in early engineering through block construction, recycled material design, and collaborative invention projects, developing spatial reasoning, persistence, and creative problem-solving skills.