Activity Guide

This Activity Guide offers five hands-on challenges that bring engineering to life for kids aged 9 through 12. They offer anyone running afterschool programs, workshops, or events engaging, effective ways to get kids thinking like engineers. The challenges are versatile–they don't require much facilitation, use modest amounts of readily available materials, give kids many ways to succeed, and are manageable with large numbers of kids. Use them for ongoing programs AND events.

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You may download the entire DESIGN SQUAD Activity Guide (3.5M) or in the following sections:

Front and Back Covers

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Activity Guide Introductory Material

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Contents:

Introducing the Design Process
Talking to Kids about Engineering
Fit Design Squad into any Program
Web Resources
Hosting a Design Squad Event
Sources for Material

Content Standards

The challenges in this guide correspond to the ITEA National Study of Technology Content Standards and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks Science and Technology/Engineering Standards.
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Parents & Educators: Activity Guide

Activity Guide

Front and Back Covers

Activity Guide Introductory Material

Content Standards

Challenge 1: Watercraft

Challenge 2: Paper Table

Challenge 3: Zip Line

Challenge 4: Paddle Power

Challenge 5: Helping Hand