The Promise of Technology Education for Elementary Students

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Standing at a distance that permitted observation, but not interference, I overheard fourth grade students' conversations during a December holiday project: "You should add more trusses to the superstructure! Look how the top is unstable!" "No, I think it's the foundation that needs repair. It's leaning so far over; the weight isn't evenly distributed around the base!" These comments were from young elementary students who were part of a team challenged to design and construct a Christmas tree that was at least nine feet tall yet was made only of recycled newspaper, leftover bulletin board paper, and masking tape. They were not only experiencing the design process in action, but also the …