Engineering in K-12 Education Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects

• Main Authors: Katehi, Linda, Pearson, Greg, Feder, Michael, Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education. Committee on Science Education K-12
• Format: eBook Book
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, D.C National Academies Press 04.09.2009
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Cognitive Science; Curriculum Development; Economic Factors; Educational Change; Educational Finance; Educational Policy; Educational Research; Elementary Secondary Education; Engineering; Engineering > Study and teaching (Elementary) > United States; Engineering > Study and teaching (Secondary) > United States; Engineering Education; Global Approach; Kindergarten; Labor Force Development; Learning Processes; Mathematics Education; Program Descriptions; Science Careers; Science Education; Scientific Literacy; STEM Education; Study and teaching (Elementary); Study and teaching (Secondary); Technological Literacy; Technology Education; United States
• ISBN: 9780309137782; 0309137780
• DOI: 10.17226/12635

Engineering education in K-12 classrooms is a small but growing phenomenon that may have implications for engineering and also for the other STEM subjects-science, technology, and mathematics. Specifically, engineering education may improve student learning and achievement in science and mathematics, increase awareness of engineering and the work of engineers, boost youth interest in pursuing engineering as a career, and increase the technological literacy of all students. The teaching of STEM subjects in U.S. schools must be improved in order to retain U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and to develop a workforce with the knowledge and skills to address technical and technological issues. Engineering in K-12 Education reviews the scope and impact of engineering education today and makes several recommendations to address curriculum, policy, and funding issues. The book also analyzes a number of K-12 engineering curricula in depth and discusses what is known from the cognitive sciences about how children learn engineering-related concepts and skills. Engineering in K-12 Education will serve as a reference for science, technology, engineering, and math educators, policy makers, employers, and others concerned about the development of the country's technical workforce. The book will also prove useful to educational researchers, cognitive scientists, advocates for greater public understanding of engineering, and those working to boost technological and scientific literacy.