While creating the module content, we use an engineering method of solving problems.

A module is an interdisciplinary educational project carried out in 16-18 lessons that are regular classes conducted by science, technology, mathematics, computer science and art teachers. Its subject matter is compliant with the Polish Core Curriculum and it is integrated thanks to an engineering frame - a problem that students solve during the aforementioned classes.

• The school completes the registration form on the Foundation's website;

• The application form is introduced to the waiting list;

• The Foundation, if it has technical capabilities and financial means to include new schools in the program, contacts a school to inform about the possibility of implementing the Gotta Get Engineering program there;

  • The school can apply for external financing on its own (e.g. the one provided by the municipality, company, or an individual donor). If you are interested in this option, please contact the Foundation;

• The school management signs a contract with the Foundation;

• The school determines the members of its program team and selects a school coordinator responsible for contact with the Foundation's team. Then, such school sends this information to the Foundation;

• The school's program team consists of STEAM subjects (mathematics, computer science, nature / biology / physics / chemistry / geography, technique, art) teachers. The interdisciplinary nature of the module requires that the school team be made up of teachers specialising in many fields intertwining in this module.

• A school team of teachers applies for a training preparing for the implementation of the program at school that consists of two full-day workshops.

Before implementing the module at school, the Katalyst Engineering Foundation enables teachers to participate in two workshops:

• The workshop on the content of the module and the educational basis of the program - teachers get familiarized with the principles of engineering classes for children and STEAM education as well as ways of using a 3D printer at school. During this workshop, cross-curricular teams of teachers work also on lesson plans, conduct experiments with kids engineering sets, and plan details of the module implementation at their school;
• The workshop on 3D printing and 3D modeling - teachers learn the basics of 3D modeling and get to know the principles of operating a 3D printer as well as its functioning. The participation in 3D printing workshop of the entire team of teachers implementing the module allows the subsequent better use of a 3D printer at school.

Equipment and materials consist of the following elements:

Kids engineering sets – elements necessary for carrying out experiments, building models, prototyping and testing. One set of the same elements is designed for a group of 5-6 students (the school receives from the Foundation sets for 5 groups of students). Instructions are attached to each experiment. In addition, we pass auxiliary elements to sets.

The sets include the following items:

• Elements for checking / observing a given phenomenon,
• Elements for building models / preparing a prototype,
• Elements for creating measuring instruments.

A 3D printer with filament – together with the printer, we give the school three-kilogram spools of biodegradable polymer (PLA) - the material used for 3D printing.

Lesson plans – scenarios contain the mandatory content that is supposed to be introduced as well as additional materials. Each lesson includes the information on the relevant point from the Core Curriculum. In our materials, teachers can also find numerous interesting facts and inspirations. In addition to the paper versions, teachers get access to materials in digital form - lesson scenarios, Engineering Notebooks, instructions, presentations, videos, materials for group work, etc.

Engineering Notebook – a workbook for each student provided in paper form.

Teachers run the module as part of regular classes, with the use of lesson plans, kids engineering sets, and a 3D printer.

The program gives the opportunity to cooperate and exchange experience. Cooperation begins during our workshops and subsequently, teachers can continue it at the Gotta Get Engineering teachers' forum.

Interesting, original projects inspired by our program are created at multiple schools. Seeing the commitment of children, teachers implement their own ideas related to engineering, STEAM education and 3D printing. Gotta Get Engineering promotes interesting initiatives and encourages the use of good practices.

The Gotta Get Engineering teachers' forum

During the module, the participating students undertake the following activities:

• they analyse a given problem and gain knowledge in accordance with the Core Curriculum,
• they learn to combine knowledge of various subjects,
• they use knowledge acquired at school to solve real-world problems,
• they design and prepare prototypes using the trial-and-error method,
• they learn 3D printing and modeling,
• they learn effective teamwork,
• they test, improve and prepare a solution proposal,
• they develop their creativity and the ability of critical thinking.

We have reached the conclusion. At numerous schools, the end of the Gotta Get Engineering program's module is time for special events, like presentations for parents, conferences for students, or engineer's days, involving the entire school community. We do our best to participate in such projects and write about them on our website and in social media.

Each school prepares a module summary consisting of four elements, that is:

• The Classes Implementation Table (CIT) within a given module. CIT is an online worksheet in which the school team enters the dates of classes. The document does not require printing / delivery to the Foundation.
• Timeline – the time axis presenting graphically the course of the module at a particular school. The teachers enter there brief information about the conducted classes and complement it with photos and videos from the course of the module. Timeline is available online for everyone interested in this topic (students, parents, teachers, school management, and the Foundation's employees).
• The surveys of interest in engineering - surveys completed by students before and after the module. These surveys help us assess the impact of our module on students' interest in engineering as well as natural and exact sciences.
• The survey summarising the class – a short survey in which teachers mark their opinions on specific elements of the conducted class. Thanks to this information, we can correct and improve lesson plans to adjust them to a higher extent to teachers' needs and school reality.