Kindergarten Modules
• Structure and Function - Exploring Design – Students discover the design process and how engineers influence their lives. They
explore the elements of structure and function by identifying products around them designed by engineers and asking questions
engineers might ask. They are introduced to a design problem through a story in which Angelina wants to design a paintbrush.
Students apply their knowledge from the module to design their own paintbrushes.

• Pushes and Pulls – Students investigate pushes and pulls on the motion of an object and develop knowledge and skills related to
forces of differing strengths and directions. Their explorations include pushes and pulls found in their everyday world, such as pushing
a friend on a swing or pulling a wagon. In this module’s design problem, Suzi needs to move rocks from her yard so she can install a
swing set. Students work through the problem by applying what they learn about forces.

First Grade Modules

• Light and Sound – Students investigate the properties of light and sound, including vibration from sound waves and the effect of
different materials on the path of a beam of light. After students develop an understanding of light and sound, they are challenged
to solve a design problem Mylo, Suzi, and Angelina face. In the story, the characters are lost and must use only the materials in their
backpack to communicate over a distance by using light and/or sound. Students use the design process to sketch, build, test, and
reflect on a device that solves this design problem.

• Animated Storytelling – Students explore the sequential nature of computer programs through hands-on activities, both with and
without a computer. They examine key aspects of storytelling and devise how to transition a narrative from page to screen. Students
discover the design problem through a story about Angelina, Mylo, and Suzi, who wish they could find a way to create a story with
characters who move and interact with each other. Combining fundamental principles of computer science with story-building skills,
students develop animations that showcase characters, settings, actions, and events from short stories of their own creation.

Second-Grade Modules
• Materials Science, Properties of Matter – Students investigate and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties,
including color and texture. They learn about states of matter and properties of materials including insulators and conductors. In the
design problem, Angelina, Mylo, and Suzi, are challenged to keep ice pops cold during a soccer game – without a cooler. Students
apply their knowledge and skills to determine the best material to solve this design problem and then evaluate how their designs might
be improved.

• Grids and Games – Students investigate numerical relationships while learning about the sequence and structure required in computer
programs. Starting with computer-free activities and moving to tablet-based challenges, students apply addition and subtraction
strategies to make characters move on a grid. Angelina presents the design problem when she expresses her desire to design a game
she can play on her tablet. Using skills and knowledge gained from these activities, students work together in groups to design and
develop a game in which a player interacts with objects on a tablet screen.