Engineering and the Design Process: Real-World Classroom Resources

As we dive headfirst into a new school year, many educators are struggling to integrate engineering design into their classrooms. As the Science Laureate at Teaching Channel, I'm often asked two questions: "Is there one specific Engineering Design Process?" and "Where can I find NGSS aligned materials that emphasize the Engineering Design Process?"

Due to limited time because of my classroom commitments, my short and sweet answer generally refers the teacher to one of my Tchers' Voice blog posts: "Bringing Engineering Design into the Classroom," which includes basic background, video of my classroom in action, as well as an EDP graphic designed by Teaching Channel and the University of Washington for the ten modules of instruction that comprise the Boeing Science and innovation Series. Very rarely do I get the opportunity to engage in the rich conversations surrounding this very dynamic topic.

That's why I'm very pleased to share that PBS LearningMedia, WGBH, and Teaching Channel have partnered to co-host a Webinar on August 24th at 7 pm EDT. This interactive, hour-long event will allow classroom practitioners to converse with our combined team of classroom educators and curriculum experts as we share and elaborate on best practices associated with the Engineering Design Process and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Additionally, we will guide webinar participants through the Aerospace Engineering collection of digital resources available on PBS LearningMedia, and Teaching Channel’s Boeing Science and Innovation modules, specifically, Polymers for the Planet. All resources are free and readily available for easy implementation in your classroom right now.

An on-demand webinar link will also be sent to all who register here shortly after the presentation on August 24th, in case you're unable to participate in the live event or would like to review what was presented again at a later date. Join us.

I'm very much looking forward to sharing our experiences and I hope that your school year is off to a wonderful start!

Tom Jenkins teaches both middle school science and STEM in Enon, Ohio. He is a NASA SOFIA Airborne Astronomy Ambassador, Manager of Special Projects at the Dayton Regional STEM Center, and is the Boeing Science Teacher Laureate for Teaching Channel. Connect with Tom on Twitter: @TomJenkinsSTEM.