Novel Engineering
An Integrated approach to teaching Engineering and Literacy
Overview
Inspired by kids and grounded in research, Novel Engineering is an innovative approach to integrate engineering and literacy in elementary and middle school.
Students use existing classroom literature – stories, novels, and expository texts – as the basis for engineering design challenges that help them identify problems, design realistic solutions, and engage in the Engineering Design Process while reinforcing their literacy skills.
Why you should do Novel Engineering
- Works within ELA curriculum
- Enhances reading comprehension
- Engages all learners
- Provides integration of different disciplines
- Introduces realistic engineering problems
- Builds 21st century skills
- Meets common core and next generation science standards
What does Novel Engineering look like?
Read a book and identify problems
Through discussion and attentive reading, students collect problems that characters face.
Scope problems and brainstorm solutions
Students consider the needs of the story’s character/client and the context/constraints imposed by the text as they brainstorm possible solutions.
Design a solution
Students work in teams to plan and build a functional prototype that addresses the character’s needs and constraints.
Ready to get Started