Engineering in K-12 Education

For the United States to remain competitive in the global economy and to ensure that the country has a workforce (and citizenry) with the knowledge and skills to address technical and technological issues, the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects in U.S. schools must be much more effective. Engineering education may improve student learning and achievement levels in science and mathematics, give students a better idea of what engineers do and how they affect the lives of individuals and communities, stimulate the interests and aspirations of young people to pursue engineering as a career, and improve the technological literacy of all students. In this report, a committee of experts brought together by the National Academy of Engineering reviews the present scope and impact of K-12 engineering education and makes recommendations to address curriculum, policy, and funding issues. In addition, this volume includes a review of the cognitive science about how children learn engineering-related concepts and skills and in-depth analyses of a number of K-12 engineering curricula. A CD with information and brief reviews of other engineering curricula is also included.