Open-Ended Engineering at Family STEM Events

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Between 2013 and 2015 EiE, the curricula division of the Museum of Science, Boston, conducted a randomized controlled trial of in-school engineering curricula with more than 14,000 students. We found that our specific design principles resulted in better engineering and science learning outcomes for students of all demographics relative to a control curriculum. These principles included an engaging narrative context, a structured engineering design process, and an open-ended challenge with multiple solutions (Lachapelle et al. 2019).

Keywords:

• Elementary
• Informal Education
• Engineering
• Science and Engineering Practices
• STEM

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Derek Butterton

Derek Butterton is a curriculum developer at the Museum of Science, Boston, in Boston, Massachusetts.