Be “Cool” with Popsicle Engineering
Beginning kindergarteners are introduced to science and engineering concepts through questions such as “What is a Scientist?” and “What is an Engineer?”, and go on to compare and contrast the two. They are introduced to seven steps of the engineering design process and explore these steps using the “I do, we do, you do” set of guided instruction. At the end of the project, students produce a set of purple popsicles that they design using various materials and by following a set of criteria.
Students enjoy their engineered popsicles!Copyright 2018 Amy Bliss, MRET Program, College of Engineering, University of Florida
Students follow seven steps of the engineering design process (ask, research, imagine, plan, create, test, improve) modified for young learners in order to make a popsicle production line that the class can enjoy. Engineers use this process every day in their work environment to solve problems and create products and solutions to make the world a better and more efficient place. Students are introduced to what engineers do in their daily lives through several books on engineering and become familiar with this line of work.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe what a scientist does and what an engineer does and compare and contrast the two.
- Describe and apply the seven steps of the engineering process to investigate a problem and create a solution.