Over three hour-long sessions this fall with Technovation, you’ll become an expert in leading engineering design challenges online that help students develop engineering mindsets: 1) use the engineering design process; 2) envision multiple solutions; 3) evaluate and iterate; 4) persist and learn from failure; and 5) work in teams.

Get ready for hands-on building during each session. You’ll be part of a supportive learning community. If you are looking for a way to step up your STEAM game in a fun and active way with your kids, this is for you. Help them think like engineers to build solutions to any sort of problem! These three sessions are for program staff (directors, STEM specialists, and facilitators) working with kids in 4th–8th grades.

Registration Links 

Session 1: Thursday October 29, 12:00-1:00 pm PST/3:00-4:00 EST

Session 2: Thursday November 19, 12:00-1:00 pm PST/3:00-4:00 EST 

Session 3: Thursday December 10, 12:00-1:00 pm PST/3:00-4:00 EST  

Session 1 Description – October 29 at 12:00PT/3:00ET

Register here!

• You’ll start (or continue!) to get comfortable supporting your kids learning STEAM online
• You’ll learn about engineering design challenges
• You’ll get comfortable navigating Technovation’s free resources
• All while attempting to balance a dinosaur in a fun engineering design challenge you can try out then use with your students.

Bring these materials to session 1 with you:

1. Cardboard
2. Pipe cleaners
3. Paper clips
4. Tape (masking tape is usually best)
5. Pennies or small weights
6. Straws
7. Popsicle sticks
8. Scissors; 
9. Optional: toilet paper tubes and ping pong ball

Session #2 – November 19 at 12:00PT/3:00ET

Register here!

• You’ll reflect on your first attempts at leading design challenges online and come away with confidence and fresh perspectives to continue
• You’ll get familiar with the Engineering Design Process and iterating
• You’ll consider ways to build community throughout
• All while building a self deploying device in a design challenge you can use with your students.

Bring these materials to the session with you:

1. tape
2. scissors
3. small container or small boxes
4. long rubber bands
5. cardboard
6. dowels or skewers
7. hole puncher (or knife)

Session #3 – December 10 at 12:00PT/3:00ET

Register here!

• You’ll make a plan to help your students deal with hard parts like persisting through failure and encouraging creativity
• You’ll reflect and revisit tools introduced earlier to look at them differently
• All while making a water collection system in a design challenge you can use with your students.

Bring these materials to the session with you:

1. skewers
2. tape
3. scissors
4. cardboard or foamcore
5. cups
6. straws
7. foil
8. Cups (with holes punched in
9. bottom) + water for testing