Stacia Gonzalez is an elementary teacher in the Xenia, Ohio, school district and was recognized as the Chapter’s Teacher of the Year. She then competed and won at the state level for Ohio as well.

Under the banner of “Cultivating Foundational Engineering and Computational Thinking” Ms. Gonzalez implemented a rigorous and engaging foundational STEM curriculum systematically introducing students to the core principles of engineering, design, and computational thinking essential for advanced fields, including aerospace. Her program focused on the hands-on application of the engineering design process and modern technological literacy, preparing students to become early innovators.

Key Accomplishments and Achievements include:

●           Structural and Materials Engineering: Ms. Gonzalez successfully utilized fairy tales and familiar scenarios to teach fundamental structural concepts. Students engaged in challenges that required them to plan, build, test, and improve their designs, developing an early understanding of stability, forces, and material properties. Notable projects included the Three Little Pigs House Engineering Challenge, where students designed structures to withstand wind force, and the Building a Bridge for the Gingerbread Man, which developed an understanding of balance and strength. She also led the Baby Bear Chair and Goldilocks’ Bed challenges, where students explored structural strength and stability through testing and redesign.

●           Computational Thinking and Robotics: Ms. Gonzalez introduced concepts crucial for modern technology and design. She led two lessons in Tinkercad 3D Modeling, in which students used CAD tools to review 3D shapes, practice spatial reasoning, and learn foundational engineering design skills such as placing, resizing, and manipulating objects on a digital workplane. In Robotics, students used LEGO Education Spike Essential kits in introductory and loop lessons, applying icon-based coding blocks to program robotic vehicles to turn and move. Separately, students used screen-free Botley robots to practice sequencing, directional coding, and loops using handheld controllers and coding cards. Ms. Gonzalez demonstrated instructional leadership by teaching the LEGO Spike coding lesson to two other kindergarten classes and sharing the Polar Express Magnets lesson with a colleague.

●           Physical Science and Inquiry: Other scientific concepts were explored, such as building Simple Circuits with batteries and copper tape to understand closed paths and the flow of electricity. Students also investigated magnetic force in the Polar Express Magnets activity.

Ms. Gonzalez’ impact on students cannot be understated.

Ms. Gonzalez’s curriculum cultivated essential skills that define a successful learner and problem solver:

●           Her students developed a “learner’s mindset” as they met the challenge of programming movement repetition using loops.

●           Students developed communication and collaboration skills as they are required components in nearly every project.

●           Students developed early computational thinking through coding and sequencing activities, and spatial reasoning through 3D modeling and the magnets challenge.

●           The electronic sharing of student 3D designs with families also resulted in strong engagement and very positive feedback.

Through these diverse and well-structured activities, Stacia Gonzalez provided her kindergarten class with a strong, hands-on introduction to the engineering design process and computational literacy, equipping them with the critical thinking and collaborative skills necessary for future STEM success.