How Regina is inspiring the next generation of engineers
“I builted a few-shh-lage by calculating the aerodynamics of drag and lift!” is about the cutest thing in the world to hear from a six-year-old whistling gleefully through their teeth about a rocket they have just built.
“They’re pumped to show their parents what they built, and explain the science behind it,” says Bryden Wright, who with his wife, Alison, recently opened Engineering For Kids in Regina. “There really isn’t much else that offers kids access to this type of information and activities at a young age, so we thought it was something that was needed.”
By using STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), kids learn about robotics, how to design rockets through the online game Mind Craft or in real life, and they can even program their own video games.
Bryden and Alison are the perfect people to implement this growing franchise. He was a Petroleum Engineer, and she was primary teacher for the last 10 years.
“STEM education is important because it is really just an extension of what kids are already learning in school… and sometimes they don’t even make the connection. We also help them better understand the role and importance of engineers — most kids think all they do is drive trains,” says Alison.
Bryden was surprised to see how quickly the kids pick up the different programs. “Kids are natural engineers and scientists because of the way they see the world. They love engaging with hand-on activities, and Engineering For Kids offers them that opportunity.”
Learning by doing is an easy way to interact and engage with kids, but the teacher influences the value of that learning process. As a franchise, the core curriculum is specially designed to make every program fun and educational, but it’s the teachers that make the difference. That is why the instructors at Engineering For Kids all have strong education backgrounds, as opposed to strong engineering skills.
With more than 300 programs to choose from, there is something for every age and skill level. So far, the most popular program is robotics. By using the creativity and physical attributes of Lego, Engineering For Kids offers both an advanced (Lego EV3) and a junior (Lego WeDo) robotics program.
“Although we’ve only been open for a short time, we’ve already worked with a couple hundred kids. What’s neat about these kids is that they might not be an athlete, dancer, or a musician, but this is their thing. They love science, creating, and building!” explains Alison.
There is a variety of classes to choose from at various times throughout the week, such as after-school and evenings, half-day and multiple day camps over long holidays, workshops and clubs, and Engineering For Kids also books birthday parties. Due to the amount of materials and learning required for each program, the cost will fluctuate.
Even Alison admits that it’s difficult for one teacher to coordinate a program with this much material. “I’ve done a few workshops already and we make it really easy [for parents] because we bring all the material, we teach the kids, and they get to take something home at the end of the day.”
For a full list of services and locations in Regina, visit engineeringforkids.net and click on North America. Currently, Regina has one of only three Engineering For Kids in Canada.