Everyday Engineering: Putting the E in STEM Teaching and Learning

The idea for Everyday Engineering began with our interest in design and production issues related to the simple ball-point pen. We were struck by the elegance of the means for retracting the reservoir and transferring the ink to paper .... For some months, we found ourselves taking a number of things apart becoming more and more intrigued with the design of the seemingly simple. When thought about in this light, paper clips and pump soap dispensers become fascinating; so, too, is learning the history of how these everyday objects were developed. From the Introduction to Everyday Engineering Here s an ideal way to spark students fascination with the marvels of engineering behind the seemingly simple. This book is a compilation of popular Everyday Engineering columns from NSTA s middle school journal, Science Scope. The collection is made up of 14 activities that explore engineering s role in five areas: the office, the kitchen, the bathroom, electricity, and outdoor recreation. Students can perform hands-on investigations of objects they use all the time, asking questions such as: What makes a Bic click? Why do squirt guns squirt? What makes a better cereal box? Each activity includes a clear explanation of the science and history behind the object s development plus a material s list, student data sheets, and safety suggestions. The collection is useful to classroom teachers as well as scout leaders, engineers leading outreach activities, after-school and summer enrichment program staff, and parents. Everyday Engineering may soon have your students taking a number of things apart and putting together a lifelong interest in engineering.