Educational ecosystem for developing engineering skills in elementary school students

In the context of rapid technological development, traditional teaching methods demonstrate insufficient effectiveness in forming engineering competencies in younger schoolchildren. The aim of the article is to investigate and justify the necessity of creating an educational ecosystem that integrates engineering skills, as well as to present its structured model for younger schoolchildren. Such an approach implies the integration of project-based engineering classes, interdisciplinary programs, digital tools, and networking with external partners. Special attention is paid to the adaptation of curricula, where mathematics, logic, and engineering are combined with the development of IT skills and functional literacy. The article analyzes the evolution of educational systems—from local models of antiquity to global digital ecosystems. The philosophical foundation of the approach is based on L.S. Vygotsky’s ideas about the role of the environment in personality development and J. Moore’s concepts of dynamic communities. The author also examines the challenges of implementing the ecosystem, including the shortage of qualified teachers, technological inequality, and the need for coordination between the state, schools, and business. The study employs theoretical analysis: a comparison of traditional and ecosystem approaches, a historical and philosophical overview of the evolution of educational systems, a psychological aspect, and an analysis of existing projects. During the work, a model of the educational ecosystem was designed—project-based engineering classes for younger students, including curricula with an interdisciplinary focus; integration of IT skills, ethics, collaboration with enterprises; and mechanisms for psychological support. Literature analysis and model construction confirmed the effectiveness of forming engineering skills in younger schoolchildren within the framework of the ecosystem approach. The author proposed a new model of the educational ecosystem for forming engineering skills in younger schoolchildren. The idea adapts the ecosystem approach to primary education for the first time, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. The model includes a description of flexible curricula and other educational components, criteria and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the model, and the necessary resources for its creation. An important component of this educational ecosystem is the connection of its components. The proposed model for evaluating effectiveness covers not only academic achievements but also the development of creativity, social responsibility, and interest in engineering professions. The innovation of the approach lies in transforming the school into a "mini-tech park," where learning is integrated into a real-life context, and students become active co-authors of the educational process.

engineering skills, educational ecosystem, primary school, project-based classes, interdisciplinarity, early career guidance, effectiveness evaluation, ecosystem approach, project activities, practice-oriented activities