Youth Engineering Solutions Progressions: A PreK–8 Workshop Series
About this Event
Discover how engineering and computer science learning develop from early childhood through middle school in the YES Progressions Workshop Series. Across three days, you’ll explore the frameworks and design challenges that shape the YES curriculum at each grade band.
By the end of the workshop, you will be:
- Ready to teach YES units
- Confident in engaging students with authentic engineering practices
- Equipped to lead open-ended, inquiry-driven challenges that inspire young problem solvers.
Attend the full series to understand the complete PreK–8 progression or join the individual day most relevant to your teaching.
Scholarship Opportunity: A limited number of scholarship seats are available, allowing educators to attend this workshop free of charge. Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses.
To be considered, please fill out this brief form: https://forms.gle/hYaPfNNuf1mTDXJe9
Day 1: Engineering in Early Elementary (Grades K-2)
Use the Engineering Design Process to solve two engaging engineering challenges designed for young learners. Design a drum that helps musicians create unique sounds that meet their needs while investigating how vibrations and materials affect sound. Then, design a bubble wand that creates large, successful bubbles by exploring how different materials and design features influence performance. Throughout both units, participants will experience hands-on investigations and learn how students use testing, evidence, and iteration to imagine, plan, create, test, and improve engineering solutions.
Day 2: Elementary Engineering + Career Explorations (Grades 3-5)
Use the Engineering Design Process to design a parachute that falls as slowly as possible to support reforestation efforts after wildfires. Explore how canopy size, canopy material, and suspension line length affect parachute performance, then create, test, and improve your own design. Participants will also experience the Environmental Careers Exploration, which connects students to real-world careers focused on protecting and improving the environment.
Day 3: Middle School Engineering + Computer Science (Grades 6-8)
Use the Engineering Design Process to design a wearable alert system that helps users recognize when they are putting excessive strain on their neck, also known as text neck. Investigate electrical circuits, mechanical switches, and how different components work together within a wearable technology system. Participants will also experience the Text Neck Timers computer science module, exploring how algorithms and computational thinking can be used to monitor movement patterns and support healthier technology habits.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are perfect for classroom educators eager to deepen their STEM practice. They are also well suited for STEM leaders, instructional coaches, administrators, and others preparing to support teachers with the YES curriculum.
For a deeper dive and more comprehensive experience, we encourage you to consider attending all 3 workshop dates (March 2-4, 2027).
Workshop Details:
- Coffee is available for purchase at the Starbucks in the Museum Café before the workshop each morning. Breakfast and lunch are not included in the registration fee. You are welcome to bring your own lunch or purchase food from the Museum Café during the lunch break.
- Free parking (with validation) and Museum admission are included with your registration.
- Please bring a laptop or tablet with a USB port to fully participate in the workshop activities.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Check-In
🕑: 08:30 AM - 03:30 PM
Workshop
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 53.49
