Work in progress - alimentos divertidos, an inquiry-based food science and engineering program for elementary schools

Abstract

Alimentos Divertidos is an inquiry-based program for K-12 schools, which primary goal is to transform how students view and do engineering and science. We have developed and implemented educational materials (simple and inexpensive experiments that utilize easy-to-obtain materials) and pedagogical practices designed jointly with elementary school teachers, in which foods are used as a tool to facilitate engineering and science learning. Formative evaluations have consistently shown that among Alimentos Divertidos educational benefits are: hands-on, minds-on learning models, students work in teams to complete laboratory exercises to learn elementary engineering and science principles; learning that science and engineering are fun career fields, addressing national and international studies showing that interest in engineering and science can be enhanced during elementary school years; breaking down barriers, students of diverse ages, gender, ethnic and economic backgrounds, and academic skill levels come together to exchange ideas on how to solve a science experiment or engineering design. Alimentos Divertidos is bringing about a true community of learners where we learn from the experience and shared information as much as or even more than elementary school students and teachers.