Rachel Freeman School of Engineering
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Engineering in an elementary school seems an unusual concept to many. When we think of engineering in general we envision professionals with strong backgrounds in science, math and technology and find it hard to imagine children between the ages 5 and 11 utilizing engineering concepts.
Webster’s Dictionary defines the verb engineer as: to plan, build or manage something by using scientific methods. Elementary students at Rachel Freeman School of Engineering do just that! Students work in cooperative groups to tackle engineering problems using a prescribed engineering design process of asking, imagining, planning, creating and improving. Kindergartners tackle more simple engineering tasks such as designing a wall that Humpty Dumpty can’t fall off of, while 5th graders undertake more complicated tasks such as building and programming a Lego car to navigate a set course. No matter what the task, students enjoy the hands-on learning approach.
The school invites the public to stop by and take a look at how STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) is incorporated into elementary education at Freeman. A perfect opportunity is Family STEM Night in which the guests can experience interactive exhibits which will demonstrate how the engineering design process is applied to various projects. Freeman has a long-term partnership with GE. This year's STEM event includes engineers from GE discussing careers and other special guests. This event is free and open to the public.
Family STEM Night will be on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Rachel Freeman School of Engineering is located at 2601 Princess Place Drive.
