Making science activities fun has always been challenging. Some students aren't as interested in free exploration. Recent developments with integrating science and technology in Prek-12 schools indicate that adding a design or problem solving aspect around the activity may better engage the children in the activity. In fact, this process of using science and math to design solutions is known as engineering.
Moreover, as our society increases using technology, it is important to build the technological literacy of children at early ages. Technological literacy includes understanding the uses of technology, how it affects themselves and the world, and also how to design technologies. Teachers and parents need to become actively involved with this aspect of preparation for children.
Enrichment Program
Prek-12 schools are continually refining curricula and activities along with professional development for their teachers to meet the needs in subject areas. Formal activities and assessment tools help to ensure that children learn appropriate materials. Enrichment through after-school activities can expand learning in specific areas that children enjoy.
The K2 Enrichment program is being developed for early-elementary-age children to do fun activities associated with science and engineering. Exploration for its own sake is great fun and educational; however, exploring for a reason can be challenging and meaningful as well. In a three and half hour session, children have the time to acclimate to the instructors and their peers, have fun in group and use a problem-based approach to explore science and design a solution for the problem in a fun manner!