E2 is a research based curriculum that is designed to introduce 4th-6th graders to engineering. When students complete the curriculum, they are able to understand what engineers do, and how they solve problems using math and science, including the math and science they are currently learning at school. They are also able to identify different types of engineers, and understand the differences and similarities between various types of engineers. When you purchase E2, you get 3 lessons for the students, online training for instructors, and the E2 Materials Kit, which is used for hands on activities with the students. The kits can be reused. The instructor first completes the online training for the lessons, and then teaches the lessons using the materials in the kit and the video provided for the lesson. The training videos will equip the instructor with knowledge on how to conduct the lessons, as well as provide information that is helpful in leading discussions with students and answering common questions students have about engineering.
Our curriculum has been used throughout Oklahoma, and we have rave reviews from teachers and students. It's not uncommon for teachers to tell us how students will spot something in the school weeks after the lessons and talk about which engineers might have been involved in creating the item, and why those types of engineers might have been involved.
While our training is typically used by elementary teachers, we have also had success with industry professionals completing the training and providing outreach to schools by teaching the lessons themselves. We have also had companies donate the curriculum to teachers in their area. This gives companies the opportunity to contribute to schools in their communities and invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. Surveys and direct feedback tell us that the curriculum is engaging for students, and, most importantly it is PROVEN TO WORK.
Research that shows the effectiveness of the program, as well as research that informed the design of the curriculum:
1.Colston, N., Thomas, J., Ley, M.T., Ivey, T., & Utley, J. (2017). Collaborating for early-age career awareness: A comparison of three instructional formats. Journal of Engineering Education 106 (2), 326-344. doi: 10.1002/jee.20166
2.Colston, N., Thomas, J., & Ley, T. (2017). Integrating technology and career learning in elementary engineering education: A formative curriculum evaluation. Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education Midwest Section Conference, Stillwater, OK.
3.Thomas, J., Colston, N., Ley, T., DeVore-Wedding, B., Hawley, L.R., Utley, J. & Ivey, T. (2016). Developing a rubric to assess children's drawings of an engineer at work. Proceedings of the 2016 Annual Conference & Exposition of the American Society for Engineering Educators, New Orleans, LA. doi: 10.18260/p.26985
4.Colston, N., Thomas, J., Ivey, T., Ley, T. & Utley, J. (2014). Engineer-led videos: A broader impacts model. Proceedings of the 2014 Midwest Section Conference of the American Society for Engineering Education, Fort Smith, AK.
5.Ivey, T., Thomas, J., Colston, N., Ley, T. & Utley, J. (2014). Engineering is Everywhere: Engaging engineers in elementary pre-service teacher training. Proceedings of the 2014 School Science and Mathematics Convention, Jacksonville, FL.
