Harness the capabilities of engineering to facilitate immersive and educational experiences for students in out-of-school hubs and wrap-around care programs. Explore engineering-driven resources tailored to various age groups (Years 1 to 12).
NASA's engineering educational portal
The NASA Engineering Educational Portal sparks curiosity and exploration through NASA's digital engineering resources. This online portal provides access to engaging engineering games and interactive activities, serving as valuable resources for children to explore during their sessions within wraparound care.
Some ideas that can be used to support children in their play and looking at engineering.
Bridge building challenge
Engage students in a bridge-building challenge using materials like popsicle sticks, straws, or spaghetti. Test the strength and stability of their designs by applying weight or placing them over a gap.
DIY electronics
Introduce basic electronics projects where students can create circuits, build simple electronic devices, or even explore programming with microcontrollers like Arduino.
Robotics club
Set up a robotics club where students can work with robotics kits to build and program robots. They can participate in mini-competitions or challenges to showcase their creations.
Structural engineering challenge
Task students with designing and constructing structures using materials like toothpicks and marshmallows. Test the structures for stability and load-bearing capacity.
Reverse engineering activity
Please encourage students to take apart old electronic devices to understand how they work. This reverse engineering activity can enhance their understanding of engineering principles.
Environmental engineering projects
Explore environmental engineering by having students design and build projects related to water purification, renewable energy, or waste management. This can be done using basic resources such as; coffee filters, muddy water, and a see-through glass or cup. The children will then need to estimate how many cycles the water may need to be potentially drinkable. (NOTE: Do not allow the children to drink the water, as this could be a health risk. This activity is for the sole purpose of supporting the children’s understanding).
Civil engineering city planning
Have students plan and design a miniature city, considering aspects of civil engineering such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This project encourages creativity and urban planning. This activity can be carried out by using reusable materials such as cardboard, straws, paper and glue.
Remember to provide guidance, resources, and supervision as needed, and encourage student collaboration to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills. Adjust the complexity of the activities based on the age and skill level of the participants.
