One of the most essential qualities of a good scientist or engineer is the ability to reflect and communicate effectively. These printable reflection questions for students are ideal for encouraging discussion and deeper thinking during your next STEM project.
Engineering Design Process
Reflection questions are all a part of the STEM process. Engineers use a design process to solve problems. While there are different versions of this process, they all share the same basic steps for identifying and solving challenges.
A typical design process example is “ask, imagine, plan, create, and improve.” This process is flexible and can be completed in any order, making it adaptable to various projects. You can explore the engineering design process more [here].
An essential part of both the engineering design process and effective science practices is COMMUNICATION!
During a STEM challenge, kids can practice communication skills by sharing their results, explaining their prototypes and design choices, and discussing their challenges and successes.
These communication skills are crucial for developing a growth mindset, working effectively in teams or group activities, and achieving success in the future.
To help students build their communication skills, use the following Reflection Questions after a STEM challenge or project. This will encourage them to express their thoughts and experiences clearly.
Reflection Questions for Students
Use these STEM questions below with your kids after they have completed a STEM challenge. These reflection questions will encourage discussion of the results and increase critical thinking skills. Using STEM questions or prompts will help to promote meaningful discussions individually and in groups.
1. What were some of the challenges you discovered along the way?
2. What worked well and what did not work well?
3. What part of your model or prototype do you really like? Explain why.
4. What part of your model or prototype needs improvement? Explain why.
5. What other materials would you like to use if you could do this challenge again?
6. What would you do differently next time?
7. What parts of your model or prototype resemble the real-world version?
💡 Remember, you can use these questions while reading some of our favorite engineering, science, and STEM books!
Grab the FREE Printable STEM Reflection Questions
Engineering Books for Kids
Check out this fantastic list of teacher-approved engineering books, and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!
Even if you don’t have a ton of time to read one of these books and try a challenge, you can apply the questions to the story and the main character of the story. Your kids can help the main character(s) find additional solutions or work through challenges.
Engineering Vocab
Think like an engineer! Talk like an engineer! Act like an engineer! Get kids started with a vocabulary list that introduces some fantastic engineering terms. Make sure to include them in your next engineering challenge or project.
12 Fun Engineering Projects to Try
Now that you have some great STEM questions for reflection try one of these 12 fantastic engineering projects! Each one has printable instructions to help you get started.
There are two ways to approach it. Follow the step-by-step instructions if you need more guidance, or present the engineering theme as a challenge and see what your kiddos come up with as a solution! I bet you’ll find these challenges work for people of various ages!
Favorite STEM Challenges
💡Explore more quick STEM challenges [here].
Printable STEM Pack for Kids
80+ Doable Engineering Projects in one convenient pack!
- Full instructions with sample images
- Activity-specific instruction sheets
- Data Collection Sheets
- Questions for Reflection
- Architecture Building Cards: Try the tallest tower challenge
- Bridge Building Cards: Explore different types of bridges to build your own.
- Paper Chain STEM Challenge: Who can make the longest chain? Great icebreaker or quick challenge!
- 3 Little Pigs Architectural Pack: Design a house that won’t blow away!
- Great marshmallow challenge: A classic challenge kids love!
- Real-world STEM challenge lesson but don’t know where to start? Our easy-to-follow template shows the steps!
- What’s the difference between a scientist and an engineer?
- Crossword and word search with engineering vocabulary.
- Engineering vocabulary cards
- Design a one-of-a-kind invention and write about it with this 5-page activity!
