Keywords

engineering, design, engineering education, quadcopter

Abstract

The interest in engineering education for K-12 students has been rising (Carr, Bennett IV, & Strobel, 2012; Strimel, Grubbs, & Wells, 2016), and the importance of engineering education is discussed as early as the elementary school level (Hegedus, 2014). Petroski (2003) claims that children are ready to learn engineering because their play activities are similar to engineering and design activities, such as making, moving, and rearranging things. Studies have examined how elementary school students perceive engineering or engineers (Cunningham, Lachapelle, & Lindgren-Streicher 2005) and found that elementary-aged students associated engineering with repairing, installing, driving, constructing, and improving machines and devices. Similarly, Capobianco, Diefes-Dux, Mena, and Weller (2011) found that elementary school students in Grades 1 through 5 perceive engineering as fixing, building, making, and using vehicles, engines, and tools.

Original Publication Citation

Strimel, G. J., Bartholomew, S. R., & Kim, E. (2017). Engaging Children in Engineering Design through the World of Quadcopters. Children’s Technology & Engineering, 21(4), 7-11.