All students in grades PreK-3 to 4th get a strong foundation in the engineering design process(EDP). Kindergarten engineering experiences focus on solving problems related to seasons and holidays. So far this year they have designed baskets to carry apples and have built boats to sail across a model ocean. 


Students in grades 1-4 have been learning with the Engineering is Elementary series from the Boston Museum of Science. Students are guided through each step of the EDP while focusing on a real world problem. First grade has discovered how steps in a process make a difference as they improve upon homemade play dough. Second grade is learning how to make strong walls to protect a garden. Third grade is investigating simple machines in order to design their own system to move products in a factory. Fourth grade is evaluating landscapes, reading maps and conducting controlled experiments as they decide the best location to put a bridge. 

Graphing and data analysis components are also included in our activities so that our students can communicate what they have learned. Technology skills are integrated to facilitate the sharing of information. Graphs, presentations and documents are created and shared. Students practice keyboarding skills as they create.

Finally, each grade will complete a unit of basic coding during the school year. 

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School has partnered with ProjectEngin to introduce our new STEM Expo. This program is designed to provide a new model of science fair that embraces a trans-disciplinary STREAM approach. Students learn about global issues such as clean water, hunger, and the development of infrastructure. They will research challenges in specific countries, mostly in underdeveloped nations. The students work in teams to engineer a solution using appropriate technology. The students are challenged to keep the end user in mind when designing their product.