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Graphical Abstract
The Head Start on Engineering project engages parents and children in a multicomponent family engineering program that includes professional development for teachers, workshops for parents, take-home family activity kits, home visits, classroom extensions, and a culminating field trip to a science center.
Abstract
Throughout their lives, children from low socioeconomic backgrounds and traditionally underserved and under-resourced communities face significant barriers to engaging with engineering and science (CitationGershenson 2013; CitationOrr, Ramirez, and Ohland 2011). Supporting learning and interest development in early childhood, and engaging families, preschools, and community stakeholders in this process, is a powerful way to address these issues and a critical economic investment to ensure children become productive members of their communities (CitationGarcia et al. 2016). Although not often a focus of early childhood education, engineering and problem-solving skills are increasingly recognized as essential for children and adults to thrive in today’s society and are a growing part of the K–12 curriculum (CitationNGSS Lead States 2013). Introducing families to the topic of engineering and sparking young children’s interest in planning, building, testing, and problem solving helps prepare them for school and life.
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Acknowledgment
This project was funded by NSF grant DRL-1515628.
Author Contributions
Scott Pattison ([email protected]) is director of research at the Institute for Learning Innovation in Portland, Oregon.
Gina Svarovsky ([email protected]) is assistant professor of practice at the University of Notre Dame Center for STEM Education in South Bend, Indiana.
Ivel Gontan ([email protected]) is community program senior manager at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, California.
Pam Greenough Corrie ([email protected]) is director of the Mt. Hood Community College Head Start Program near Gresham, Oregon.
Marcie Benne ([email protected]) is director of engagement research and advancement at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Shannon Weissis ([email protected]) research and evaluation strategist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Verónika Nuñez ([email protected]) is senior community engagement and learning engagement specialist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Smirla Ramos-Montañez ([email protected]) is research and evaluation associate at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Scott Pattison
Scott Pattison ([email protected]) is director of research at the Institute for Learning Innovation in Portland, Oregon.
Gina Svarovsky
Gina Svarovsky ([email protected]) is assistant professor of practice at the University of Notre Dame Center for STEM Education in South Bend, Indiana.
Ivel Gontan
Ivel Gontan ([email protected]) is community program senior manager at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego, California.
Pam Greenough Corrie
Pam Greenough Corrie ([email protected]) is director of the Mt. Hood Community College Head Start Program near Gresham, Oregon.
Marcie Benne
Marcie Benne ([email protected]) is director of engagement research and advancement at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Shannon Weiss
Shannon Weissis ([email protected]) research and evaluation strategist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Verónika Nuñez
Verónika Nuñez ([email protected]) is senior community engagement and learning engagement specialist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.
Smirla Ramos-Montañez
Smirla Ramos-Montañez ([email protected]) is research and evaluation associate at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon.