Little Engineers: Exploring STEM with Superspace
Learning Objectives:
Introduce core engineering concepts like balance, cause-and-effect, and structure stability through play.
Encourage creative thinking and experimentation using large-scale building materials.
Foster teamwork and communication through collaborative building and testing.
ELOF: Science Goal P-SCI 6
Science
Child compares and categorizes observable phenomena.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students compare how far balls roll, or how stable different bridges are.
ELOF: Approaches to Learning Goal P-ATL 7
Approaches to Learning
Child persists in tasks and shows flexibility in thinking.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Children build, test, and revise structures using Superspace materials.
CASEL: Relationship Skills
Relationship Skills
Communicate effectively and engage in teamwork.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Small-group collaboration encourages turn-taking, helping, and sharing.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-1 (Foundational)
Engineering Design
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a problem.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students ask and answer questions during challenge-based builds.
ELOF: Science Goal P-SCI 4
Science
Child observes and describes observable changes in materials.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students notice what happens when structures tip, fall, or succeed.
CASEL: Self-Management
Self-Management
Manage emotions and behaviors to achieve goals.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students try, fail, and adjust calmly with adult support and encouragement.
ELOF: Cognition Goal P-COG 13
Cognition
Child uses reasoning and planning to solve problems.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Children explore cause-and-effect (e.g., ramps, balance) and revise based on testing.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-2 (Foundational)
Engineering Design
Develop a simple model to illustrate how structure helps function.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Children build models (ramps, bridges, tunnels) to serve specific functions.
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
