ERIC Number: EJ1169041
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Mar
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3532
EISSN: N/A
Increasing Early Opportunities in Engineering for Advanced Learners in Elementary Classrooms: A Review of Recent Literature
Dailey, Debbie; Cotabish, Alicia; Jackson, Nykela
Journal for the Education of the Gifted, v41 n1 p93-105 Mar 2018
Present and future challenges in our society demand a solid science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge base, innovative thinking, and the ability to ask the right questions to generate multiple solutions. To prepare innovators to meet these challenges, we must recognize and develop their talents. This advancement and growth can be encouraged through classroom activities, special schools, afterschool or summer programs, competitions, and informal learning opportunities that focus on STEM curricula and authentic experiences. Purposeful introductions, early exposure, and continuous development with science and engineering concepts can affect retention and sustain interest in STEM fields. This article describes how both in-school and informal science opportunities can provide authentic and experiential opportunities to stimulate students' interests in science and engineering and foster their curiosity through problem-based investigations. In addition, the authors recommend appropriate STEM-focused professional development for teachers to provide engaging experiences for their students.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Science Instruction, Science Interests, Engineering Education, Advanced Students, Elementary School Science, Elementary School Students, Student Interests, Problem Based Learning, Faculty Development, Academically Gifted, Talent, Elementary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Informal Education, Literature Reviews
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A