Scaffolding the Implementation of the Engineering Design Process within STEM Based Projects

The purpose of this research was to improve student understanding and use of the engineering design process by scaffolding instruction of implementation during STEM project-based learning. The study was conducted in a fifth-grade engineering class and a seventh and eighth grade technology class with a total of 79 participants. The researchers collected data through pre and post student questionnaires, student checklists, researcher observations and reflection journals. Findings indicated that scaffolding instruction improved student understanding and implementation of the engineering design process. Further research could indicate the effectiveness of teaching best practices within each step of the process and further understanding within STEM project-based learning activities