Unit Overview

Children use familiar materials to figure out how to make something that solves a specific problem. Four unique design challenges that can be taught in any order build children’s confidence and mastery.

  • Pre-K
  • Setting: In school
  • Science connection: Sound, energy, forces and motion, floating and sinking
  • 4 design challenges
  • Whole group and station activities

Standards alignment

We’ve developed Wee Engineer with careful attention to early childhood educational standards, including NAEYC and Head Start. View Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Children help the engineering puppet figure out how to make a comfortable pillow and begin to associate engineering with solving specific problems. They also sing a song about the Engineering Design Process.

Children create a loud noisemaker for a surprise party.

Children create a fan that can produce enough wind to move a ball.

Children create a wrecking ball that can knock over a stack of blocks.

Children create a raft that can support the weight of a toy.

Videos

View all unit videos on YouTube

Overview

An overview video of Wee Engineer and its benefits to preschoolers.

Sample How-to Video

This video demonstrates how to prepare the idea box needed for all Wee Engineer challenges.

What's Included?

  • Teacher Guide (PDF)
  • Print Materials (PDF)
  • Family Resources (PDF)
  • Additional Resources