Integrated Engineering in elementary education: Tackling challenges to rural teacher training

Abstract

Researchers worked with a rural education cooperative to deliver engineering education professional development to 38 elementary teachers. Teachers received training in Engineering is Elementary (EiE) and Family Engineering curriculum and then implemented those lessons with their 2nd-5th grade students. Researchers administered pre- and post-measures to gauge changes in teachers' and students' knowledge and perceptions regarding engineering. Additionally, changes in teachers' self-efficacy of teaching engineering and students' attitudes about science and engineering were measured. This article discusses the value of elementary engineering education in rural communities.