One of the primary goals of engineering education is to promote the development of an engineering mindset. Also referred to as ‘engineering practices’ or ‘engineering habits of mind’, the engineering mindset refers to the values, attitudes, and thinking skills associated with engineering.
1. Real World Problems
2. Use of Systematic Engineering Design Process
3. Explore the Properties and Uses of Materials
4. Balance Criteria and Constraints
​5. Envision Multiple Solutions
6.   Apply Science and Math
7.   Evaluate Designs and Iterate
8.   Persist through and Learn from Failure
9.   Working Effectively in Teams
10. Identify and Engineers

Pathway to an Engineering Mindset

STEM and Engineering programs, activities, and curricula fall into a into a set of categories that represent an education pathway for students to use as they build their engineering skills and mindset. This sequence does not reflect a linear progression of knowledge and skills. Our intent is not to recommend that students do engineering activities before participating in an engineering club or competition. This is more of a framework to think about how students might develop their skills and provide “hand-off” points between categories.
1. Engineering Activities
2. Engineering Units
3. Afterschool Engineering Clubs
4. Club-based Engineering Competitions Teams
5. Summer Engineering Camps
6. Engineering Competitions
​7. Mentoring Opportunities

Science and Engineering Activities

Crash Test Piñata
Build a piñata, learn engineering! This fun & easy STEM lesson teaches youth to design a piñata that can withstand 10 hits while safely holding candy--just like a safety engineer designing a car! Perfect for educators, families & volunteers.
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Genomics: Decoding the Language of Life
Take this virtual field trip to find out how DNA sequencing is being used to fight diseases like coronavirus, combat hunger through agriculture innovations, and optimize the natural environment of sea dragons!

Other Free STEM Resources

STEM Learning Journeys
STEM Next, in partnership with Verizon™, is excited to bring you learning journeys packed with activities, lessons, and facilitation guides to make STEM education more accessible, engaging, and impactful. Journey topics include climate action, earth & space learning, game design, and coding!
STEMfinity's Free Resource Hub
STEMfinity's Free STEM Resources page serves as a curated hub of high-quality, no-cost STEM materials sourced from a variety of reputable organizations. These resources are organized to assist educators, parents, and program leaders in delivering high-quality STEM education.
STEM Educators Academy Activity Toolkit
The STEM Educators Academy Toolkit (October 2020) is a practical, easy-to-use guide designed to help educators create engaging learning experiences through a series of STEM activities. Designed for both classroom and out-of-school settings, the toolkit outlines strategies and tips!
To discover the engineering student design activities for previous months, click on the button below!
Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance
University of Hawai‘i
1776 University Avenue, ​WA1-102
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-956-6515