Engineering Design-Based STEM Activity for Middle Schools: How Can I Slide Faster?
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.main##
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.sidebar##
Published
Aug 29, 2024
Abstract
In the current study, an engineering design-based STEM activity was designed and implemented for 5th graders. The current activity is expected to provide guidance and perspective to teachers (practitioners) in designing and implementing an activity based on design-based learning, STEM activity, and engineering design process (EDP). At the same time, during the implementation of the activity, teachers and students experienced a STEM activity based on the EDP. In the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year, this STEM activity based on the engineering design process was planned for Friction force and water resistance in the 5th-grade middle school science course. Then, the activity was implemented in a class of 21 students. The activity was implemented in three class hours. This activity, titled “Let’s Design a Water Slide Boat,” aimed at designing a water slide boat that would be least affected by water resistance and friction force to improve students’ engineering and design skills. This activity was based on NGSS and the objectives and outcomes set in the 5th-grade science curriculum of the Turkish Ministry of National Education.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
##plugins.themes.bootstrap3.article.details##
Keywords
STEM Activity, Engineering Design Process, STEM Education
References
Affifi, R. (2019). Between will and wildness in STEAM education. In Why Science and Art Creativities Matter. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill.
Allen, P.J., Chang, R., Gorrall, B.K., Waggenspack, L., Fukuda, E., Little, T.D., & Noam, G.G. (2019). From quality to outcomes: A national study of afterschool STEM programming. International Journal of STEM Education, 6:37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0191-2
Aranda, M. L., Lie, R., & Selcen Guzey, S. (2020). Productive thinking in middle school science students’ design conversations in a design-based engineering challenge. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 30:67-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-019-09498-5
Ata Aktürk, A. (2023). “Teacher, I know how to do it”: An engineering design-based STEM activity on the concepts of forces and floating/sinking for young problem solvers. Science Activities, 60(1):12-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2022.2128709
Aydın, F., & Karaçam ,S.,(2015). A study of an analytic rubric for assessing technological design applications for groups. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 11(1):132-147.
Baptista, M., & Martins, I. (2023). Effect of a STEM approach on students’ cognitive structures about electrical circuits. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1):1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00393-5
Baran E., Canbazoğlu Bilici S., & Mesutoğlu C. (2015). Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) public service announcement (PSA) development activity. Journal of Inquiry Based Activities, 5(2):60-69.
Buber, A., & Unal Coban, G. (2020). From modeling to STEM: A predictor activity of volcanic eruption. Science Activities, 57(3):111-121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2020.1814193
Bybee, R. W. (2010). What is STEM education? Science, 329(5995):996.
Carroll, M., Goldman, S., Britos, L., Koh, J., Royalty, A., & Hornstein, M. (2010). Destination, imagination and the fires within: Design thinking in a middle school classroom. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 29(1):37-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.2010.01632.x
Chandrasekaran, S., Stojcevski, A., Littlefair, G., & Joordens, M. (2013). A comparative study of students’ perceptions of project oriented design based learning in engineering education. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2013). Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University.
Chang, C.C., & Chen, Y. (2022). Using mastery learning theory to develop task-centered hands-on STEM learning of Arduino-based educational robotics: Psychomotor performance and perception by a convergent parallel mixed method. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(9):1677-1692. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1741400
Changtong, N., Maneejak, N., & Yasri, P. (2020). Approaches for implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) activities among middle school students in Thailand. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 6(1):185-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.6.1.185
Cheng, C. C., Huang, P. L., & Huang, K. H. (2013). Cooperative learning in Lego Robotics Projects: Exploring the impacts of group formation on interaction and achievement. Journal of Networks, 8(7):1529-1535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jnw.8.7.1529-1535
Chesloff, J. D. (2013). STEM education must start in early childhood. Education Week, 32(23):27-32.
Christensen, R., & Knezek, G. (2017). Relationship of middle school student STEM interest to career intent. Journal of Education in Science Environment and Health, 3(1):1-13.
Council of the European Union, (2011). Conclusions on strengthening the external dimension of the EU Energy Policy. Brussels: European Council: 24 November.
Diana, N. (2021). Analysis of teachers’ difficulties in implementing STEM approach in learning: A study literature. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1806(1):012219.
Doppelt, Y., & Barak, M. (2021). Design-based learning in electronics and mechatronics: Exploring the application in schools. In Design-Based Concept Learning in Science and Technology Education (pp. 101-134). Brill.
Doppelt, Y., Mehalik, M. M., Schunn, C. D., Silk, E., & Krysinski, D. (2008). Engagement and achievements: A case study of design-based learning in a science context. Journal of Technology Education, 19(2):22-39.
Eker, M. (2020). Investigation of the effects of STEM education applications on 5th grade students’ science motivations and entrepreneurship. Master Thesis, Gazi University Institute of Educational Sciences, Ankara.
Fokides, E., & Papoutsi, A. (2020). Using Makey-Makey for teaching electricity to primary school students. A pilot study. Education and Information Technologies, 25(2):1193-1215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10013-5
Fortunati, L., Esposito, A., Ferrin, G., & Viel, M. (2014). Approaching social robots through playfulness and doing-it-yourself: Children in action. Cognitive Computation, 6(4):789-801. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12559-014-9303-y
Hacıoğlu, Y. (2020). Implementation of thematic STEM education: Friction force example. Boğaziçi University Journal of Education, 37:3-21.
Hacıoğlu, Y., Yamak, H., & Kavak N. (2016). Teachers’ views on engineering design-based science education. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 5(3):807-830.
Hynes, M., Portsmore, M., Dare, E., Milto, E., Rogers, C., Hammer, D., & Carberry, A. (2011). Infusing engineering design into high school STEM courses, pp.8-13. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267233181_Infusing_Engineering_Design_into_High_School_STEM_Courses
İnce, K., Mısır, M. E., Küpeli, M. A., & Fırat, A. (2018). Examining the effect of stem-based approach on the problem solving ability and academic success of students in teaching the enigma of the earth’s crust unit of the 5th grade life sciences course. Journal of STEAM Education, 1(1):64-78.
Kahveci, S. (2020). Analysis of science textbooks in terms of scientific process skills, levels of inquiry research based teaching method, stem approach and readability. Master Thesis, Trakya University Institute of Natural Sciences, Edirne.
Keçeci, G., Alan, B., & Zengin, F. (2017). STEM education practices with 5th grade students. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18:1-17.
Kroper, M., Fay, D., Lindberg, T., & Meinel, C. (2011). Interrelations between motivation, creativity and emotions in design thinking processes–an empirical study based on regulatory focus theory. In Design creativity 2010 (pp. 97-104). Springer, London.
Lou, S. J., Tsai, H. Y., Tseng, K. H., & Shih, R. C. (2014). Effects of implementing STEM-I project-based learning activities for female high school students. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies (IJDET),12(1):52-73.
Mehalik, M. M., Doppelt, Y., & Schuun, C. D. (2008). Middle-school science through design- based learning versus scripted inquiry: Better overall science concept learning. Journal of Engineering Education-Washington, 97(1):71-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00955.x
Ministry of National Education (MONE) (2018). Science course curriculum. Ankara.
Moreno, N. P., Tharp, B. Z., Vogt, G., Newell, A. D., & Burnett, C. A. (2016). Preparing students for middle school through after-school STEM activities. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 25:889-897. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-016-9643-3
National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] (2011). NASA System Engineering Design Process. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110009921/downloads/20110009921.pdf
National Research Council [NRC]. (2012). A Framework for k-12 sciece education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Washington DC: The National Academic Press.
National Research Council [NRC]. (2009). Engineering in K–12 education: Understanding the status and improving the prospects. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
NGSS. (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For states, by states. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
NGSS (2017). K-PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions. http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/dci-arrangement/K.PS2June2017.pdf
Özbilen, A. G. (2018). Teacher views and awareness on STEM education. Scientific Educational Studies, 2(1):1-21.
Pirrie, A. (2019). Where science ends, art begins?. In Why Science and Art Creativities Matter. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill.
Simeon, M. I., Samsudin, M. A., & Yakob, N. (2022). Effect of design thinking approach on students’ achievement in some selected physics concepts in the context of STEM learning. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32:185-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-020-09601-1
Stehle, S. M., & Peters-Burton, E. E. (2019). Developing student 21st Century skills in selected exemplary inclusive STEM high schools. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1):1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0192-1
Strawhacker, A.; Bers, M.U. (2018). Promoting positive technological development in a kindergarten makerspace: A qualitative case study. European Journal of STEM Education, 3:21.
Strong, M. G. (2013). Developing elementary math and science process skills through engineering design instruction. Master Thesis, Hofstra University School of Education, New York.
Tanık Önal, N., & Saylan Kırmızıgül, A. (2021). A Makey-Makey based STEM activity for children. Science Activities, 58(4):166-182. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2021.2011086
Thomas, T. A. (2014). Elementary teachers’ receptivity to integrated science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the elementary grades Doctoral Thesis, University of Nevada, Reno.
Wang, H. (2012). A New era of science education: science teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) integration. Doctoral Dissertation.
Wang, J., Werner-Avidon, M., Newton, L., Randol, S., Smith, B., & Walker, G. (2013). Ingenuity in action: Connecting tinkering to engineering design processes. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), 3(1):Article 2.
Wieselmann, J. R., Dare, E. A., Ring-Whalen, E. A., & Roehrig, G. H. (2020). “I just do what the boys tell me”: Exploring small group student interactions in an integrated STEM unit. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 57(1):112-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21587
World Economic Forum (2017). What are the 21st-century skills every student needs?. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/03/21st-century-skills-future-jobs-students/
Yıldırım, B. (2016). An analyses and meta-synthesis of research on STEM Education. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(34):23-33.
Allen, P.J., Chang, R., Gorrall, B.K., Waggenspack, L., Fukuda, E., Little, T.D., & Noam, G.G. (2019). From quality to outcomes: A national study of afterschool STEM programming. International Journal of STEM Education, 6:37. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0191-2
Aranda, M. L., Lie, R., & Selcen Guzey, S. (2020). Productive thinking in middle school science students’ design conversations in a design-based engineering challenge. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 30:67-81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-019-09498-5
Ata Aktürk, A. (2023). “Teacher, I know how to do it”: An engineering design-based STEM activity on the concepts of forces and floating/sinking for young problem solvers. Science Activities, 60(1):12-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2022.2128709
Aydın, F., & Karaçam ,S.,(2015). A study of an analytic rubric for assessing technological design applications for groups. Mersin University Journal of the Faculty of Education, 11(1):132-147.
Baptista, M., & Martins, I. (2023). Effect of a STEM approach on students’ cognitive structures about electrical circuits. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1):1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-022-00393-5
Baran E., Canbazoğlu Bilici S., & Mesutoğlu C. (2015). Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) public service announcement (PSA) development activity. Journal of Inquiry Based Activities, 5(2):60-69.
Buber, A., & Unal Coban, G. (2020). From modeling to STEM: A predictor activity of volcanic eruption. Science Activities, 57(3):111-121. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2020.1814193
Bybee, R. W. (2010). What is STEM education? Science, 329(5995):996.
Carroll, M., Goldman, S., Britos, L., Koh, J., Royalty, A., & Hornstein, M. (2010). Destination, imagination and the fires within: Design thinking in a middle school classroom. International Journal of Art & Design Education, 29(1):37-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-8070.2010.01632.x
Chandrasekaran, S., Stojcevski, A., Littlefair, G., & Joordens, M. (2013). A comparative study of students’ perceptions of project oriented design based learning in engineering education. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education (AAEE 2013). Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University.
Chang, C.C., & Chen, Y. (2022). Using mastery learning theory to develop task-centered hands-on STEM learning of Arduino-based educational robotics: Psychomotor performance and perception by a convergent parallel mixed method. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(9):1677-1692. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1741400
Changtong, N., Maneejak, N., & Yasri, P. (2020). Approaches for implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) activities among middle school students in Thailand. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 6(1):185-198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.6.1.185
Cheng, C. C., Huang, P. L., & Huang, K. H. (2013). Cooperative learning in Lego Robotics Projects: Exploring the impacts of group formation on interaction and achievement. Journal of Networks, 8(7):1529-1535. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4304/jnw.8.7.1529-1535
Chesloff, J. D. (2013). STEM education must start in early childhood. Education Week, 32(23):27-32.
Christensen, R., & Knezek, G. (2017). Relationship of middle school student STEM interest to career intent. Journal of Education in Science Environment and Health, 3(1):1-13.
Council of the European Union, (2011). Conclusions on strengthening the external dimension of the EU Energy Policy. Brussels: European Council: 24 November.
Diana, N. (2021). Analysis of teachers’ difficulties in implementing STEM approach in learning: A study literature. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1806(1):012219.
Doppelt, Y., & Barak, M. (2021). Design-based learning in electronics and mechatronics: Exploring the application in schools. In Design-Based Concept Learning in Science and Technology Education (pp. 101-134). Brill.
Doppelt, Y., Mehalik, M. M., Schunn, C. D., Silk, E., & Krysinski, D. (2008). Engagement and achievements: A case study of design-based learning in a science context. Journal of Technology Education, 19(2):22-39.
Eker, M. (2020). Investigation of the effects of STEM education applications on 5th grade students’ science motivations and entrepreneurship. Master Thesis, Gazi University Institute of Educational Sciences, Ankara.
Fokides, E., & Papoutsi, A. (2020). Using Makey-Makey for teaching electricity to primary school students. A pilot study. Education and Information Technologies, 25(2):1193-1215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10013-5
Fortunati, L., Esposito, A., Ferrin, G., & Viel, M. (2014). Approaching social robots through playfulness and doing-it-yourself: Children in action. Cognitive Computation, 6(4):789-801. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12559-014-9303-y
Hacıoğlu, Y. (2020). Implementation of thematic STEM education: Friction force example. Boğaziçi University Journal of Education, 37:3-21.
Hacıoğlu, Y., Yamak, H., & Kavak N. (2016). Teachers’ views on engineering design-based science education. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 5(3):807-830.
Hynes, M., Portsmore, M., Dare, E., Milto, E., Rogers, C., Hammer, D., & Carberry, A. (2011). Infusing engineering design into high school STEM courses, pp.8-13. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267233181_Infusing_Engineering_Design_into_High_School_STEM_Courses
İnce, K., Mısır, M. E., Küpeli, M. A., & Fırat, A. (2018). Examining the effect of stem-based approach on the problem solving ability and academic success of students in teaching the enigma of the earth’s crust unit of the 5th grade life sciences course. Journal of STEAM Education, 1(1):64-78.
Kahveci, S. (2020). Analysis of science textbooks in terms of scientific process skills, levels of inquiry research based teaching method, stem approach and readability. Master Thesis, Trakya University Institute of Natural Sciences, Edirne.
Keçeci, G., Alan, B., & Zengin, F. (2017). STEM education practices with 5th grade students. Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18:1-17.
Kroper, M., Fay, D., Lindberg, T., & Meinel, C. (2011). Interrelations between motivation, creativity and emotions in design thinking processes–an empirical study based on regulatory focus theory. In Design creativity 2010 (pp. 97-104). Springer, London.
Lou, S. J., Tsai, H. Y., Tseng, K. H., & Shih, R. C. (2014). Effects of implementing STEM-I project-based learning activities for female high school students. International Journal of Distance Education Technologies (IJDET),12(1):52-73.
Mehalik, M. M., Doppelt, Y., & Schuun, C. D. (2008). Middle-school science through design- based learning versus scripted inquiry: Better overall science concept learning. Journal of Engineering Education-Washington, 97(1):71-85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2008.tb00955.x
Ministry of National Education (MONE) (2018). Science course curriculum. Ankara.
Moreno, N. P., Tharp, B. Z., Vogt, G., Newell, A. D., & Burnett, C. A. (2016). Preparing students for middle school through after-school STEM activities. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 25:889-897. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-016-9643-3
National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] (2011). NASA System Engineering Design Process. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110009921/downloads/20110009921.pdf
National Research Council [NRC]. (2012). A Framework for k-12 sciece education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Washington DC: The National Academic Press.
National Research Council [NRC]. (2009). Engineering in K–12 education: Understanding the status and improving the prospects. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
NGSS. (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For states, by states. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
NGSS (2017). K-PS2 Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions. http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/default/files/dci-arrangement/K.PS2June2017.pdf
Özbilen, A. G. (2018). Teacher views and awareness on STEM education. Scientific Educational Studies, 2(1):1-21.
Pirrie, A. (2019). Where science ends, art begins?. In Why Science and Art Creativities Matter. Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill.
Simeon, M. I., Samsudin, M. A., & Yakob, N. (2022). Effect of design thinking approach on students’ achievement in some selected physics concepts in the context of STEM learning. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32:185-212. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-020-09601-1
Stehle, S. M., & Peters-Burton, E. E. (2019). Developing student 21st Century skills in selected exemplary inclusive STEM high schools. International Journal of STEM Education, 6(1):1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-019-0192-1
Strawhacker, A.; Bers, M.U. (2018). Promoting positive technological development in a kindergarten makerspace: A qualitative case study. European Journal of STEM Education, 3:21.
Strong, M. G. (2013). Developing elementary math and science process skills through engineering design instruction. Master Thesis, Hofstra University School of Education, New York.
Tanık Önal, N., & Saylan Kırmızıgül, A. (2021). A Makey-Makey based STEM activity for children. Science Activities, 58(4):166-182. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2021.2011086
Thomas, T. A. (2014). Elementary teachers’ receptivity to integrated science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the elementary grades Doctoral Thesis, University of Nevada, Reno.
Wang, H. (2012). A New era of science education: science teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) integration. Doctoral Dissertation.
Wang, J., Werner-Avidon, M., Newton, L., Randol, S., Smith, B., & Walker, G. (2013). Ingenuity in action: Connecting tinkering to engineering design processes. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), 3(1):Article 2.
Wieselmann, J. R., Dare, E. A., Ring-Whalen, E. A., & Roehrig, G. H. (2020). “I just do what the boys tell me”: Exploring small group student interactions in an integrated STEM unit. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 57(1):112-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21587
World Economic Forum (2017). What are the 21st-century skills every student needs?. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/03/21st-century-skills-future-jobs-students/
Yıldırım, B. (2016). An analyses and meta-synthesis of research on STEM Education. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(34):23-33.
How to Cite
Gökşen, Özlem, Kızılay, E., & Tanık Önal, N. (2024). Engineering Design-Based STEM Activity for Middle Schools: How Can I Slide Faster? . Science Insights Education Frontiers, 23(2), 3733–3753. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.24.or612
Issue
Section
Original Article
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.