As you watch the skill video below, think about these questions:
Notice how often Pete asks questions or gives an answer. Which does he do more often?
How do learners benefit from explaining what they are doing? Is this an effective strategy?
What other nudges can help learners solve their own problems when they are coding?
Now that you’ve watched the video, reflect on what you saw and post your responses.
Why does asking questions support learning better than giving answers?
What is your best strategy for encouraging independent problem solving?
Explore Engineering Practices
Education Item
Presenting a Challenge
Watch as staff engage youth in an engineering design challenge to build their own roller coaster. Notice how staff connect the challenge to youth’s feelings and experiences with roller coasters.
Watch as Gauri works with youth to design, build and test a cook stove. Take note of how she encourages students to re-test or re-design their stove idea.
Balance Criteria and Constraints that Require Trade-offs
Engineers make trade-offs to balance competing factors as they solve problems. As youth create enrichment toys for zoo animals, they balance the animals’ safety with keeping them engaged.