Other Speakers- Liz McAlpin, Batavia School District 101, John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School, Elementary Teacher

Presentation Title: Engineering in the Elementary Classroom 3rd – 5th
Abstract: Engineering with elementary students? Absolutely!! Engineering helps students attain the skills necessary to be successful in today’s ever changing world. Students not only grow in the areas of science and math, but in collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. Elementary students are natural engineers and problem solvers. Providing students with the opportunity to explore the design process allows students to expand their thinking and problem solving expertise. Not only do design challenges provide hands on learning experiences for children, but provide teachers with countless opportunities for authentic assessment. In this session, teachers will engage in hands-on activities and walk away with concrete examples to enhance current classroom practices and curriculum with science and engineering practices.

Biography: Candace Pierce and Liz McAlpin currently teach grades three through five at the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School, a public third through eighth grade school located in a suburb of Chicago. While teaching at the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership school, the presenters have been involved in interdisciplinary curriculum writing as well as building partnerships with corporate and not-for-profit organizations. Both presenters have been invested in public education for more than 20 years.