Nothing encourages a child's mind like challenge and exploration. SDRA classes for the lower elementary grades (ages 6-8) provide that challenge, and chance for exploratory learning. That exploration leads to deeper understanding, and a desire to utilize what they've learned. Concepts are more readily grasped when taught through hands-on activities.

In our Elementary Engineers classes, students work in pairs to construct a LEGO model, using instructive building cards to foster the step-by-step approach. After the model is built, the pairs test out different scientific principles such as measurement, energy, powered mechanisms, and simple machines. We try to end each class with a fun motorization of their model, that little extra "kick" to make their machines really work!

Each class is divided into the four "E"s, our four main sections: engage - we "hook" the kids with a fun story or problem, educate - learning the basic concepts of simple machines, engineer - building our machines, and explore - the students hypothesize about and test the properties of their machine. All along the way we talk about practicing "good science:" accurate measurements, hypothesizing and testing, result verification, and variable control.

Our current Elementary Engineers classes can be found here.