Second Grade Students Bring Engineering Design Process to Life
NAPLES — Madison McPheeters and her 2nd-grade class teamed up with AAPS (Advanced Academics and Placement Services) Specialist Max Macone and Educational Technologist Earl Sexton to introduce young students to the wonders of engineering and coding. This collaboration aimed to enrich the students' learning experience by integrating the Engineering Design Process (EDP) into their curriculum through hands-on activities with LEGO Essentials robots.
The highlight of this initiative was the use of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Explore kit, SUBMERGED, which provided students with the tools to build and code their submarines. This year's theme, SUBMERGED, encouraged students to dive deep into the challenges of working in the ocean's depths. The activity was designed as an extension lesson, allowing students to apply the EDP in a practical and engaging manner.
Building and Coding Submarines
Under the guidance of Ms. McPheeters, Mr. Macone, and Mr. Sexton, the 2nd graders embarked on a journey of discovery and innovation. They began by brainstorming ideas and discussing the various challenges associated with deep-sea exploration. The students then moved on to the design phase, sketching their submarine concepts and planning the necessary components.
The students brought their designs to life with the LEGO Essentials robots and the FLL Explore kit. They built their submarines, carefully assembling each part and ensuring their creations were functional. The coding aspect of the activity allowed the students to program their submarines to perform specific tasks, such as navigating underwater obstacles and collecting data.
Impact and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Ms. McPheeters, Mr. Macone, and Mr. Sexton proved a resounding success. The students gained valuable insights into the engineering design process and developed a strong foundation in coding and robotics. The hands-on nature of the activity fostered creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking, which are essential skills for their future academic and professional endeavors.
Mr. Macone and Mr. Sexton plan to use this model to integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into all grade levels at Naples Elementary School. By providing students with opportunities to engage in real-world applications of engineering and coding, educators can inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
As the students continue to explore the possibilities of technology and engineering, the collaboration between these dedicated educators will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their educational journey.
