Computational Thinking: The Bridge Between the Engineering Design Process and Project-Based Learning

Lorraine Jacques, Heather Howle

Abstract: When integrating computational thinking (CT) skills with science education lessons, we thought that the engineering design process (EDP) would connect CT with the science content. The EDP has been included in science teacher training because it helps structure the engineering practices of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as well as provide a framework for project-based learning, a highly recommended instructional approach for full realization of NGSS. However, many teachers are still having difficulties with both PBL and the EDP. By mapping CT skills to steps in the EDP, each step better reflects how engineering truly occurs, which in turn better reflects authentic PBL in science and provides an easier-to-manage focus for PBL planning.