Engineering is the actual application of science and mathematical foundational principles in an effort to design, develop and solve real-life problems. Engineering is important as it is how engineers: design and develop infrastructure, drive the advances in technology, create sustainable solutions to keep our earth healthy, establish safety protocols and standards, guide in the development of strong ethics in our society and contribute significantly to economic growth. There are various types of engineering that include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, biomedical engineering, agricultural engineering and environmental engineering. To learn more about science and engineering disciplines click here
In the real-world some real-life examples of engineering include the designing of wind turbines as an alternative energy source, the engineering of software for our smartphones, the development of medical devices and the establishment of sustainable solutions for clean water, transportation and urban planning and development.
Educators can apply engineering in the classroom by having their scholars design and develop projects that are inclusive of science and mathematics. To achieve this goal will require that ELA, History and Art educators collaborate with Science and Mathematics educators by way of Cross-cutting concepts. The focus should be on scholars being able to recognize patterns, understanding cause and effect relationships, the analysis of complex systems, recognition of structure-function relationships and the ability to analyze and explain phenomena in an effort to design solutions to real-life problems.
National Engineers Week also known as EWeek is an annual celebration and recognition of Engineers in which our history and purpose in our world is honored. EWeek typically occurs from the 3rd Sunday to the 4th Saturday in the month of February. It is our hope that during this time we can increase the understanding and interest in engineering and technology careers.