EDUCATION PROGRAM
What’s an Engineer?
Grade Range: Preschool – 1st grade, Ages 3 – 6
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
We will begin by reading, “Rosie Revere, Engineer.” Then we will learn about what it takes to be an engineer, while exploring different simple machines around the museum.
$5 per student.
Enduring Understanding
Engineers imagine, design, and create things that can solve a problem. Engineers use simple machines to help them create things.
Essential Question
What is an Engineer and how could I become one?
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify simple machines with prompting and guidance
- Observe Simple Machines in Action
- Understand the role of an Engineer in basic terms
- Create a basic complex machine in response to a simple design challenge
Curriculum Connections
EEC Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines (MA DOE) – Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences by the Early Childhood Advisory Council
English Language Arts
Reading & Literature
- Listen to a wide variety of age appropriate literature read aloud.
Science and Technology/Engineering
Technology and Engineering
- Explore and identify simple machines such as ramps, gears, wheels, pulleys, and levers through play experiences.
Health Education
Physical Development
- Strengthen hand grasp and flexibility
- Use a variety of tools and materials to build grasp-and-release skill.
Art
Visual Art
- Explore a variety of age-appropriate materials and media to create two and three-dimensional artwork.
Next Generation Science Standards
Kindergarten
K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
Upcoming Events
Great Engines Hall
The centerpiece of the Waterworks Museum is its collection of steam engines. Three original coal-powered, steam-driven water pumps are preserved at the Museum and are monuments to 19th century technology and innovation. Leavitt, Worthington, and Allis stand in the Great Engines Hall and reach more than 3 stories tall. Walk around each and see the multitude of perfectly engineered parts that pumped million gallons of freshwater a day into the City of Boston.