Case Studies of Two Exemplar Engineering-Focused Elementary Schools

Abstract

As the prevalence of integrated STEM education increases worldwide, some elementary schools in the United States have converted their programs to be more STEM-focused. This study examines the practices of two highly regarded STEM-focused elementary schools that focus on engineering education. The resulting case studies of the school explain their engineering programming, teacher professional development, and the way they situate growth mindset to integrate an engineering design process across content areas. These schools have successfully sustained the integration of engineering education by partnering with engineers and engineering educators outside of the school, providing a conducive environment for teacher collaboration, and enhance growth mindset for the school community by using the lens of engineering design. Administrators, teachers, and students all used an engineering design cycle to learn and solve problems. The systems found at these schools have the potential be transferred into other school settings wanting to amplify their STEM offerings.