FAQ

• Q: Where can I access the EiE materials for my classroom?
• Q: What is inside of an EiE Teacher Guide?
• Q: How does EiE fit with our F.O.S.S. Science Kits
• Q: How long does it take to teach an EiE Unit?
• Q: Do the units 'build' upon one another?
• Q: Is every EiE unit mapped to the standards?
• Q: Do the EiE materials teach Science?
• Q: How does the EiE curriculum accommodate my English Language Learners?
• Q: What does the EiE Teacher Guide include?

Q: Where can I access the EiE materials for my classroom?

A: In the Minneapolis Public School system teachers can access the kits much like the F.O.S.S. kits supplied to you by your MPS Science Materials Center. The MPS Science Center stocks all materials, refurbishes each kit, and makes sure that all kits are ready for classroom science investigations. To order kits and make schedule changes, contact the MPS Science Materials Center:

Phone: (612) 668-2114
Fax: (612) 668-2113

Teachers working in the Hopkins Public School district can access the EiE kits that have been provided directly to their respective schools. For questions or further assistance, please contact:

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Q: What is inside of an EiE Teacher Guide?

A: Each EiE unit focuses on one particular field of engineering, one science topic, and is set in a specific country or state. Each EiE teacher guide includes:

• A storybook that introduces basic engineering content, related science topics and highlights the engineering activities in which students will engage. Each story focuses on a child character from a different racial or ethnic background or country and includes original illustrations.
• Lesson Plans with detailed instructions for teachers, as well as suggestions for English Language Learner students, and modifications to make each lesson simpler or more advanced, depending on students' abilities.
• Student Duplication Masters that are ready to photocopy for students. Duplication Masters are often written in two levels: one for Advanced elementary students and one for Basic elementary students.
• Background information and additional resources for teachers.

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Q: How does EiE fit with our F.O.S.S. Science Kits

A: The EiE curriculum is not an independent curriculum, rather it is designed to compliment and reinforce lessons taught in your Science class and in your F.O.S.S. kits. Ideally, the F.O.S.S. kits would be taught and completed in advance of beginning the EiE Unit in your classroom, or they can be taught in tandem with the corresponding EiE unit. Each EiE unit is paired with a science topic or topics that are commonly taught in elementary classrooms, and at the beginning of each EiE unit there is an introduction section that highlights "Recommended Science Units for Tie-IN(s)." More in-depth content connection answers can be found at the Educator Resource link at the Museum of Science, Boston EiE website.

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Q: How long does it take to teach an EiE Unit?

A: Every EiE unit is different, and the length of time spent teaching each unit can vary as well. In our experiences here at the Science Museum, the average EiE unit can last anywhere from 8-10, 60 minute class sessions to complete in its entirety. This average can fluctuate depending upon the age of your students, their skills and abilities and how many times your students "Improve" their designs.

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Q: Do the units 'build' upon one another?

A: No. All EiE units are designed to "stand alone" with regard to other EiE units. Because teachers teach science concepts in different orders and at various grade levels, the units do not sequentially build upon one another and therefore can be used in any number or order.

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Q: Is every EiE unit mapped to the standards?

A: Yes. All EiE units are mapped to Massachusetts Engineering & Technology Standards, and ITEA Standards for Technological Literacy. Each Teacher Guide outlines the specific standards that are addressed in that unit. Key science topics are also identified.

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Q: Do the EiE materials teach Science?

A: Although science content is embedded in each unit, EiE units are not designed to teach science. They are designed to teach engineering skills to elementary school students in conjunction with science topics that are already being taught in the classroom. The units allow students to apply their science knowledge in an engineering context. EiE units are a supplement to science education, not a replacement.

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Q: How does the EiE curriculum accommodate my English Language Learners?

A: Each individual EiE lesson includes tips for enhancing the experience of English Language Learners while using the EiE materials. These tips can be found on the sidebars of the individual lessons and are labeled "English Language Learners."

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Q: What does the EiE Teacher Guide include?

A: Each EiE Unit Teacher Guide includes:

• Introductory Materials: this includes a basic overview of the unit, summary's of the individual lesson, student learning, science tie-in content, lessons from widely used science curricula, and alignment with state and national technology and engineering standards.
• Duplication Masters for Students: including a "Basic" and "Advanced" version of the worksheets to help meet the needs and abilities of all students.
• Students Assessments: included in the Teacher Guides are Lesson Rubrics and both Pre/Post Summative Assessments to help gauge student learning.

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