Tensai Academy
Building, testing, and discovering how things work through play.
Tensai STEM Academy's Pre-K and Kindergarten level, engineering focuses on hands-on building, problem-solving, and exploration rather than technical concepts. Children learn best by trying, observing, and improving.
Building & Construction
Children explore how objects can be built, stacked, and connected to create stable structures.
What Kids Learn:
- How to stack blocks without them falling
- That wide bases make stronger structures
- That taller structures need balance
Example Activities:
- Building towers with blocks
- Making houses with cardboard boxes
- Creating bridges using wooden blocks
Strength & Stability
Children need to learn that some structures are stronger and more stable than others.
What Kids Learn:
- Structures can fall if not balanced
- Strong bases help prevent collapse
Example Activities:
- Comparing a tall narrow tower vs. a wide tower
- Testing which building is stronger by gently shaking the table
Balance
Children explore how objects balance and tip based on weight and position.
What Kids Learn:
- Balance depends on even weight distribution
- Objects tip when weight is uneven
Example Activities:
- Balancing blocks on a beam
- Comparing heavy vs. light objects on a seesaw
Ramps & Motion (Inclined Planes)
Children explore how ramps help objects move more easily.
What Kids Learn:
- Objects roll faster on steeper ramps
- Height affects speed and distance
Example Activities:
- Rolling toy cars down ramps
- Testing short vs. long ramps
Wheels & Axles
Children learn that wheels help objects move smoothly and easily.
What Kids Learn:
- Wheels reduce effort when moving objects
- Round shapes roll better than flat ones
Example Activities:
- Toy cars
- Rolling boxes with wheels attached
Simple Machines
Children explore basic tools that help make work easier.
What Kids Learn:
- Simple machines help us move or lift objects
Example Activities:
- Ramps (inclined planes)
- Levers (seesaws)
- Wheels (toy vehicles)
Problem-Solving & Design Thinking
Children learn to solve simple problems using trial and error.
What Kids Learn:
- There can be more than one solution
- Trying again helps improve designs
Example Activities:
- Fixing a bridge that collapses
- Adjusting a ramp so a car can travel farther
Planning & Creating
Children begin to plan before building and describe what they are making.
What Kids Learn:
- To share ideas using words or drawings
- To follow simple steps
Example Activities:
- Drawing a picture before building
- Explaining what they built and why
Building With Different Materials
Children explore how different materials behave when used for building.
What Kids Learn:
- Some materials bend
- Some materials break
- Some materials are strong
Example Activities:
- Cardboard bends
- Plastic is light
- Wooden blocks are strong
Magnets & Magnetic Materials
Children learn that magnets can attract or repel certain materials.
What Kids Learn:
- Magnets pull some materials closer
- Magnets can push other magnets away
Example Activities:
- Attracted materials: Iron, Steel paper clips, Nails
- Not attracted: Wood, Plastic, Rubber
Patterns & Repeated Designs
Children recognize patterns in building and design.
What Kids Learn:
- Repeating shapes create strong structures
Example Activities:
- Stacking blocks in repeating patterns
- Using the same shape over and over
Testing & Improving Designs
Children test what they build and make improvements.
What Kids Learn:
- Designs can be improved
- Mistakes help learning
Example Activities:
- Strengthening a tower after it falls
- Making a ramp less steep
Teamwork in Engineering
Children learn to work together while building.
What Kids Learn:
- Sharing materials
- Taking turns
- Listening to others’ ideas
Example Activities:
- Group building projects
- Cooperative problem-solving
