Title: Introduction to Engineering

Grade Level: 1st Grade

Objective: - Introduce students to the concept of engineering and its importance in solving problems. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. - Foster creativity and teamwork among students.

Materials: - Various building materials (e.g., blocks, Legos, straws, popsicle sticks) - Paper - Pencils - Scissors - Glue - Tape - Small objects for testing (e.g., marbles, small balls)

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (10 minutes) a. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what engineering is. Discuss their responses and explain that engineering is the process of designing, creating, and building things to solve problems. b. Show pictures or videos of different engineering projects (e.g., bridges, buildings, robots) to spark their interest and curiosity.

2. Brainstorming (10 minutes) a. Ask students to think about everyday problems they encounter (e.g., how to carry multiple books, how to keep a tower from falling). b. Have students share their ideas with the class and write them on the board or chart paper.

3. Problem-Solving Activity (20 minutes) a. Divide students into small groups of 3-4. b. Assign each group one of the problems discussed in the brainstorming session. c. Provide the building materials and ask students to design and build a solution to their assigned problem. d. Encourage students to work together, discuss ideas, and try different approaches. e. Circulate among the groups to offer guidance and support.

4. Testing and Improving (10 minutes) a. Once the groups have completed their designs, provide them with small objects for testing (e.g., marbles, small balls). b. Have each group test their solution and observe the results. c. Encourage students to discuss what worked well and what could be improved. d. Allow time for groups to make modifications to their designs based on their observations.

5. Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes) a. Gather the students together and ask each group to share their design and explain how it solves the problem. b. Lead a class discussion on the importance of teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in engineering. c. Ask students to reflect on what they learned and how they can apply these skills in their daily lives.

6. Conclusion (5 minutes) a. Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson. b. Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to continue exploring engineering concepts in their free time.

Extension Activity: - Provide students with engineering-related books or websites to explore at home. - Encourage students to create their own engineering challenges using household materials and share their designs with the class.