---
title: YES Blog
description: Our blog keeps YES users, teachers and others informed of topics related to engineering in elementary education.
---

[![Return to yes.mos.org](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/YES-Horizontal-4c.png "Return to yes.mos.org")](https://yes.mos.org)

![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-pipe.png)

[![Go to the YES Blog homepage](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-title.png "Go to the YES Blog homepage")](https://yesblog.mos.org)

[![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/Dot%20Foods%20story.png)](https://yesblog.mos.org/working-together-to-invest-in-teachers-a-model-for-expanding-hands-on-stem-learning)

### [YES Teacher Development](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-teacher-development) | [Success Stories](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/success-stories) | [YES Partners](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-partners) | *Wednesday, September 16*

## [Working Together to Invest in Teachers: A Model for Expanding Hands-On STEM Learning](https://yesblog.mos.org/working-together-to-invest-in-teachers-a-model-for-expanding-hands-on-stem-learning)

Companies and foundations invest millions of dollars in STEM education each year, delivering technology, curriculum, and other resources into schools. But getting resources through the school doors is only the first step. How can donors make sure their investments translate into meaningful learning for students—not just in the short term, but for years to come?

[Read More >](https://yesblog.mos.org/working-together-to-invest-in-teachers-a-model-for-expanding-hands-on-stem-learning)

[![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/Back%20to%20school.png)](https://yesblog.mos.org/building-a-classroom-culture-using-the-engineering-design-process)

### [Create a Generation of Problem Solvers](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/create-a-generation-of-problem-solvers) | [Durable Skills](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/durable-skills) | [Engineering Practices](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-practices) | *Friday, July 31*

## [Build Classroom Culture with Engineering Challenges](https://yesblog.mos.org/building-a-classroom-culture-using-the-engineering-design-process)

Do you remember being a kid on the first day of a new school year? Wearing new clothes, carrying fresh spiral notebooks, finding your seat with a mix of excitement and worries. *What are the rules? Will other kids talk to me? What if the work in this class is too hard? What is this year going to be like?*

As teachers, we try to ease those worries. We introduce the rules and routines on the first day, but a classroom culture takes more time. Before we can really teach content, we first need to create a classroom where students feel safe asking questions, working together, and learning from mistakes. 

Many educators like to [start the year with hands-on STEM](https://yes.mos.org/back-to-school). A YES engineering challenge is a shared experience that helps set the tone and establish how this class will work together.  As students learn the [Engineering Design Process](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-teaching-students-to-use-a-structured-problem-solving-process), they also learn expectations and classroom norms, begin to see themselves as capable problem solvers, and give teachers valuable insight into how their new students think and behave.

[Read More >](https://yesblog.mos.org/building-a-classroom-culture-using-the-engineering-design-process)

[![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/Multiple%20solutions.png)](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-multiple-solutions)

### [Create a Generation of Problem Solvers](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/create-a-generation-of-problem-solvers) | [Durable Skills](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/durable-skills) | [Engineering Practices](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-practices) | *Monday, May 11*

## [Engineering Practices: Envisioning Multiple Solutions](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-multiple-solutions)

*\[*This post is part of our series,* *Engineering Practices in the Classroom. See prior posts: [Intro](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-in-the-classroom), [Engineering Design Process](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-teaching-students-to-use-a-structured-problem-solving-process), [Exploring Materials](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-exploring-materials), [Problems in Context](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-problems-in-context), [Balancing Criteria and Constraints](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)\]**

“Introducing... the slipper of the century!” a seventh grader gestures towards his teammate, who starts walking down the middle of the classroom wearing one bright red slipper with a neon-yellow strap made from scrap fabric.

The student announcer continues, “We made the Stupendous Street Slipper using recycled cellulose as a base for our outsole…”

[Read More >](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-multiple-solutions)

[![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/Criteria%20and%20constraints%20(1).png)](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)

### [Create a Generation of Problem Solvers](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/create-a-generation-of-problem-solvers) | [Durable Skills](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/durable-skills) | [Engineering Practices](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-practices) | *Saturday, April 18*

## [Engineering Practices: Balancing Criteria and Constraints](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)

*\[*This post is part of our series, Engineering Practices in the Classroom, which explores what engineering practices are, why they matter, and what they look like in real classrooms. Today, we’re focusing on the valuable practice of weighing criteria vs constraints when solving a problem.\]**

Three middle school students are huddled at their table, deep in thought.

“We’re at $7.75,” one student says. “So that’s under $9.00.” They all look at each other.

The medicine cooler they are designing has a maximum budget of $9.00, so there's room if they want to spend a little more to improve the design. After some discussion, they decide to add aluminum foil to the outside of the box for an extra layer of insulation.

[Read More >](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)

[![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/parent%20event%202.png)](https://yesblog.mos.org/help-families-engage-with-stem)

### [Afterschool](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/afterschool) | [Out of School](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/out-of-school) | [STEM Event](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-event) | *Thursday, March 26*

## [Simple Ways Teachers Can Involve Families in STEM Learning](https://yesblog.mos.org/help-families-engage-with-stem)

As educators, we know that students thrive when families get involved and help reinforce learning. Research suggests that this is especially true for STEM. While positive STEM experiences in school have a significant influence, discussions at home amplify that impact by shaping a child’s interest and identity. One study found that childhood conversations about science at home are one of the few early experiences that significantly predict whether a student will later identify as a “STEM person” in college (Dou, 2019).

Even so, many parents hesitate to talk about topics like science and engineering with their kids. Even when family members agree that STEM learning is very important, a few common barriers get in the way:

[Read More >](https://yesblog.mos.org/help-families-engage-with-stem)

 < 

[All posts](https://yesblog.mos.org/all) [>](https://yesblog.mos.org/page/2)

#### Current page: 1

### Subscribe to Email Updates

**Recent Posts**

[Working Together to Invest in Teachers: A Model for Expanding Hands-On STEM Learning](https://yesblog.mos.org/working-together-to-invest-in-teachers-a-model-for-expanding-hands-on-stem-learning)

Wed, Sep 16

[Build Classroom Culture with Engineering Challenges](https://yesblog.mos.org/building-a-classroom-culture-using-the-engineering-design-process)

Fri, Jul 31

[Engineering Practices: Envisioning Multiple Solutions](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-considering-multiple-solutions)

Mon, May 11

[Engineering Practices: Balancing Criteria and Constraints](https://yesblog.mos.org/engineering-practices-criteria-and-constraints)

Sat, Apr 18

### Posts by Topic

- [Create a Generation of Problem Solvers (130)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/create-a-generation-of-problem-solvers)
- [EiE Resources for Teachers (114)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-resources-for-teachers)
- [EiE Teaching Tips (107)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-teaching-tips)
- [Engineering for All (85)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-for-all)
- [Early Childhood STEM Education (77)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/early-childhood-stem-education)
- [Implementing EiE (71)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/implementing-eie)
- [Professional Development (69)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/professional-development)
- [Out-of-School time (65)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/out-of-school-time)
- [STEM Implementation (54)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-implementation)
- [Computer Science (50)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/computer-science)
- [Virtual Learning (42)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/virtual-learning)
- [Engineering is Elementary (40)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-is-elementary)
- [Profiles (40)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/profiles)
- [Engineering Habits of Mind (37)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-habits-of-mind)
- [Afterschool/Summer Camp (29)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/afterschool-summer-camp)
- [Early Engineering (28)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/early-engineering)
- [Engineering Activities (25)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-activities)
- [Engineering Everywhere (25)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-everywhere)
- [Afterschool (23)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/afterschool)
- [EiE Research Results (21)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-research-results)
- [EiE for Families (21)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-for-families)
- [Engineering in Elementary STEM Education (19)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-in-elementary-stem-education)
- [Engineering Adventures (17)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-adventures)
- [Engineering Design Process (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-design-process)
- [Museum of Science (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/museum-of-science)
- [STEM Education (16)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-education)
- [Wee Engineer (15)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/wee-engineer)
- [MOS at School (14)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mos-at-school)
- [Classroom Organization (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/classroom-organization)
- [Scholarships and Awards (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scholarships-and-awards)
- [YES Curricula (13)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-curricula)
- [Classroom (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/classroom)
- [Digital Storybooks (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/digital-storybooks)
- [EiE Ambassador (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-ambassador)
- [STEM Learning (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-learning)
- [Social Emotional Learning (12)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/social-emotional-learning)
- [EiE for Kindergarten (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-for-kindergarten)
- [Engineering and English Language Arts (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-and-english-language-arts)
- [Funding (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/funding)
- [STEM Funding (11)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-funding)
- [Careers for Engineers (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/careers-for-engineers)
- [Climate Change (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/climate-change)
- [EiE Families (10)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-families)
- [Learn.EiE (9)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/learn-eie)
- [Pre-K (9)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pre-k)
- [Durable Skills (8)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/durable-skills)
- [Preschool (8)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/preschool)
- [Professional Learning (8)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/professional-learning)
- [Elementary School (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/elementary-school)
- [Engineering Practices (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-practices)
- [Kindergarten (7)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/kindergarten)
- [Black History Month (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/black-history-month)
- [Middle School (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/middle-school)
- [Online PD (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/online-pd)
- [Women's History Month (6)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/womens-history-month)
- [Assessment (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/assessment)
- [Christine Cunningham (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/christine-cunningham)
- [Engineering Education (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-education)
- [Webinar (5)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/webinar)
- [Curriculum (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/curriculum)
- [EiE Partnership (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/eie-partnership)
- [Pilot Testers/Pilot Testing (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pilot-testers-pilot-testing)
- [STEM Activities (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-activities)
- [YES Enrichment (4)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-enrichment)
- [Cross Curricular Connections (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/cross-curricular-connections)
- [Earth Day (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earth-day)
- [Emergent Multilingual Learners (MLLs) (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/emergent-multilingual-learners-mlls)
- [English Language Learners (ELLs) (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/english-language-learners-ells)
- [Interviews & Appearances (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/interviews-appearances)
- [Mass STEM Week (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mass-stem-week)
- [MathWorks (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mathworks)
- [Media (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/media)
- [NASA (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/nasa)
- [Pride in STEM (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/pride-in-stem)
- [STEM Day (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-day)
- [STEM Teachers & Educators (3)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-teachers-educators)
- [AAPI (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/aapi)
- [AAPI Heritage Month (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/aapi-heritage-month)
- [Artificial Intelligence (AI) (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/artificial-intelligence-ai)
- [Essentials (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/essentials)
- [High school (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/high-school)
- [Indigenous Peoples' Day (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/indigenous-peoples-day)
- [Latin Heritage Month (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/latin-heritage-month)
- [Math Connections (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/math-connections)
- [NSF- National Science Foundation (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/nsf-national-science-foundation)
- [National Grid (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-grid)
- [Out of School (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/out-of-school)
- [Podcast (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/podcast)
- [Preservice Teachers (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/preservice-teachers)
- [STEM Careers/Careers in STEM (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-careers-careers-in-stem)
- [STEM Event (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-event)
- [Scientific American (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scientific-american)
- [Spanish Resources (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/spanish-resources)
- [Teacher Appreciation Week (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teacher-appreciation-week)
- [Teacher Educator Institute (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teacher-educator-institute)
- [YES Teacher Development (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-teacher-development)
- [YES in the Media (2)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-in-the-media)
- [Asteroid Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/asteroid-day)
- [Augmented Reality (AR) (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/augmented-reality-ar)
- [Behind the Scenes (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/behind-the-scenes)
- [Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/careers)
- [ChangED (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/changed)
- [Childhood Learning (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/childhood-learning)
- [Climate (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/climate)
- [Computational Thinking (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/computational-thinking)
- [Conference (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/conference)
- [Congress/Congressional Briefing (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/congress-congressional-briefing)
- [DEAIB (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/deaib)
- [Day of AI (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/day-of-ai)
- [Dell Technologies (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/dell-technologies)
- [Dream Big (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/dream-big)
- [EarthShot (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earthshot)
- [Earthshot/Year of Earthshot (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/earthshot-year-of-earthshot)
- [Engineering Careers & Jobs (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/engineering-careers-jobs)
- [English Learner (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/english-learner)
- [Environmental Education Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/environmental-education-week)
- [Explore Interactive, Inc./MindLabs (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/explore-interactive-inc-mindlabs)
- [Great Outdoors Month (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/great-outdoors-month)
- [Halloween (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/halloween)
- [Holiday STEM (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/holiday-stem)
- [Holiday STEM (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/holiday-stem)
- [International Science Museum Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/international-science-museum-day)
- [Lemelson Foundation (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/lemelson-foundation)
- [MA STEM Teacher Fair (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/ma-stem-teacher-fair)
- [MA STEM Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/ma-stem-week)
- [MCIU Learning Network (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mciu-learning-network)
- [Mass EoE (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/mass-eoe)
- [Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/massachusetts-institute-of-technology-mit)
- [National Coding Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-coding-week)
- [National Engineers' Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-engineers-week)
- [National Robotics Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-robotics-week)
- [National Science Foundation/NSF (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-science-foundation-nsf)
- [National Space Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/national-space-day)
- [Native American Heritage Month (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/native-american-heritage-month)
- [Op-eds/Opinion Editorials (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/op-eds-opinion-editorials)
- [Outreach/Social Media (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/outreach-social-media)
- [Overdeck Family Foundation (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/overdeck-family-foundation)
- [PLANETS (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/planets)
- [Problem Solvers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/problem-solvers)
- [Project Vaccine (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/project-vaccine)
- [Reading/Writing (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/reading-writing)
- [SLECop Convening (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/slecop-convening)
- [STEM Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-careers)
- [STEM in the Future (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/stem-in-the-future)
- [Scratch Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/scratch-week)
- [Success Stories (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/success-stories)
- [Summer Learning (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/summer-learning)
- [Sustainability (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/sustainability)
- [TeacherCast (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/teachercast)
- [Technology (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/technology)
- [Technology/Education Technology (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/technology-education-technology)
- [Thanksgiving (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/thanksgiving)
- [Women in Engineering Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/women-in-engineering-day)
- [World Computer Literacy Day (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/world-computer-literacy-day)
- [World Space Week (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/world-space-week)
- [YES Careers (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-careers)
- [YES Partners (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-partners)
- [YES in School (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-in-school)
- [YES/EiE at Home (1)](https://yesblog.mos.org/topic/yes-eie-at-home)

see all

| [![Facebook](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.fb.icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/yesatmos/) | [![logo-black-1](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black-1.png?width=32&height=33&name=logo-black-1.png)](https://twitter.com/yesatmos) | [![Pinterest](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.pin.icon.svg)](https://www.pinterest.com/yesatmos/) | [![YouTube](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.yt.icon.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@youthengineeringsolutions) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

Search the YES Blog

Search

| [![MOS](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/EiE.MOS.EiE%20Full%20Lockup-939086-edited-997523-edited.png?width=64&name=EiE.MOS.EiE%20Full%20Lockup-939086-edited-997523-edited.png)](https://www.mos.org) | ![](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Logos/blog-pipe.png) | [![YES Core Logo@2x](https://yesblog.mos.org/hubfs/YES%20Core%20Logo@2x.png)](https://eie.org) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [![Facebook](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.fb.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.fb.icon.png)](https://www.facebook.com/yesatmos/)  [![logo-black](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-black.png?width=24&height=24&name=logo-black.png)](https://twitter.com/yesatmos)  [![Pinterest](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.pin.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.pin.icon.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/yesatmos/)  [![YouTube](https://yesblog.mos.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Redesign%20Template%20Resources/Social/sm.yt.icon.png?width=24&height=24&name=sm.yt.icon.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@youthengineeringsolutions)  |  |  |

© 2026 YES | Museum of Science