Creative Co-Teaching Approach Brings Engineering to Life for 6th Graders

In an inspiring display of collaboration and innovation, four dedicated teachers at Brewster Middle School recently joined forces to deliver an engaging 6th grade science project focused on engineering careers and iterative design. This unique co-teaching approach not only enriched the students’ learning experience but also showcased the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in education.

The Team

Library Information Specialist: With a wealth of knowledge in research databases, the library information specialist guided students in navigating and utilizing these resources effectively. Their expertise ensured that students could access reliable information on various engineering careers and technologies.

Educational Technologist: The educational technologist introduced Adobe Creative Cloud Express, a versatile tool for creating digital content. They demonstrated how to use this platform to present research findings creatively, making the learning process both interactive and visually appealing.

Sixth-Grade Science Teachers: The science teachers provided the foundational knowledge of engineering principles and iterative design. Their role was crucial in contextualizing the information and ensuring that the project aligned with the curriculum standards.

The Project

The project began with an introduction to various fields of engineering and technologies. Each student had the option to either research an engineering career or a technology's iterative design process.

• Engineering Career: Students who chose this path researched an engineering career, focusing on the roles, responsibilities, and educational requirements. They then used Adobe Creative Cloud Express to create either an infographic or a resume to present their findings.
• Iterative Design: Students who opted to explore iterative design selected a technology, such as an umbrella or television, and researched its development and design iterations. They documented their findings and created a video using Adobe Creative Cloud Express to showcase the iterative design process.

Student Reflections

Students gained a deeper understanding of the exciting opportunities in the field of engineering and technology development. They developed valuable research skills, learned to use digital tools effectively, and experienced the benefits of working independently while still being part of a larger learning community.

One student shared, “I really liked that you could be as creative as you could possibly be with this project. There was no limit to my creativity and Adobe Express was part of that.”

Another student added, “I liked Adobe Creative Cloud because you can add and change the size and color of unique pictures. The technology board and research guide also really helped me with my infographic.”

Outcomes

The collaborative project was a resounding success. The co-teaching model demonstrated the importance of integrating different expertise to create a rich and multifaceted learning experience. This innovative teaching strategy not only met educational objectives but also inspired students to explore future careers in engineering, fostering a new generation of problem solvers and innovators.