Family Night - Engineering

Resources & Activities

Talk About It

After watching the program, ask:

  • What job was the most interesting to you? Why?
  • What is something new that you learned?
  • What was your favorite thing to build? What made it fun? What made it tricky?
  • How could you improve on your design for the Lights off reminder?

Standard: 1.5.K.C Ask and answer questions…to seek help, get information, or clarify something. 3.2.4.D – Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems. 16.2.PK.5S Express an opinion about a story or experience using visual supports and speaking prompts (e.g., I think…; I like…).

Remember

Jet from Ready Jet Go!

Sometimes seeing concepts children learn presented in a different way helps learning stick.

Here is a fun video from Ready Jet Go! to reintroduce the concepts:

The Engineering Song | Ready Jet Go!

Standard: 3.2.4.C – Recognize and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems. 3.2.4.D – Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems.

Try This

Make a Book

In English En español

Standard:  3.2.4.C – Recognize and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems. 3.2.4.D – Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems. 1.4.K.B Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing.

Build A Bridge

Paper Cups

Use paper cups, straws and masking tape.  Turn cups upside down and space cups several inches apart. Use the masking tape to attach straws to the cups, creating a bridge.  Now try balancing toy animals, blocks or cars between the cups.  Would it be easier if you place the cups close together or far apart?  What if you add a second straw or more tape?  How can you make the bridges more secure?

Standard:  3.2.4.D – Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems. 3.4.4.A – Recognize basic concepts about the structure and properties of matter. 3.4.4.C – Observe and describe different types of force and motion.

Make A Structure

Use mini-marshmallows and toothpicks to create a tall structure.  Connect toothpicks with the mini-marshmallows.  How can you make your structure stand up tall?  Experiment with different ways to build the base of your structure.  Measure how tall you can build it.

Mini-Marshmallows and Toothpicks

Standard:  3.2.4.D – Recognize and use the technological design process to solve problems. 3.4.4.A – Recognize basic concepts about the structure and properties of matter. 2.4.K.A.1 Describe and compare attributes of length, area, weight, and capacity of everyday objects.

Read About It

There are lots of great books about engineering that you can pick up at your local library.

Each Family Night program will feature book recommendations from a local librarian in the Commonwealth. Family Night: Engineering book suggestions are from Trish Bissett, Children’s Service Manager at York County Libraries’ Martin Library.

You can visit Martin Library here

Please check hours and COVID restrictions at their website.

Lots more to explore at pbslearningmedia.org! This free resource allows you to access so many of the great assets of PBS and you can search by topic, content area and age. Many of the video or audio clips also include PA Standards-based lesson plans ready for you to use right now!