This book is written by and designed for teachers to find ideas and strategies to teach engineering and designed to advanced elementary and middle school students. The book is written for teachers and provides research-based background and discussion of how to address engineering standards (Next Generation Science Standards and Standards for Engineering Education), nurture innovative and creative thinkers and integrate key components of higher level engineering concepts into the curriculum. Early chapters focus on foundational components in engineering instruction such as the importance of nurturing spatial reasoning skills and how to create a climate of inventiveness and creativity. Later chapters address specific topics such as how to integrate engineering with art, how to teach computer science through project-based learning, using 3-D printing and incorporating principles of the Maker Movement. There are example lesson plans and projects, but the book is intended to be read by teachers to understand how to teach engineering and gather ideas for implementation and does not provide a set engineering curriculum or prescribed sequence of lessons. For educators intending to integrate engineering design into their curriculum, this book provides a good combination of theory, practical considerations, and beginning suggestions to get them off to an effective and educated start but should not be expected to be used as a step-by-step guide for implementation.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Includes reward stickers
• Visually stimulating and appealing (uses student-centered pictures, colors, and themes)
• Graphics and overall feel of the workbook is appropriate for the target age range
• Relative to most workbooks, fun to use from a child's perspective
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Specific topics/lessons are easy to find
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Abstract Reasoning

Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners in K-8 Classrooms is an application-based practitioners' guide to applied engineering that is grounded in engineering practices found in the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Standards for Engineering Education. The book will provide educators with information and examples on integrating engineering into existing and newly designed curriculum. The book will specify necessary components of engineering curriculum and instruction, recommend appropriate activities to encourage problem solving, creativity, and innovation, and provide examples of innovative technology in engineering curriculum and instruction. Additionally, authors will discuss professional development practices to best prepare teachers for engineering instruction and provide recommendations to identify engineering talent among K-8 students. Finally, the book will include a wealth of resources, including sample lesson and assessment plans, to assist educators in integrating engineering into their curriculum and instruction.