ENGINEERING: CHANGING THE CONVERSATION

(originally posted August 3, 2012) 

For the future of engineering (and of our world) we need to attract a diverse group of people into engineering.    The National Academy of Engineers did a path breaking study a few years ago, called Changing the Conversation,  to find out what kind of messaging is most effective in attracting young people and making engineering appealing.
Here’s a website full of information, including links to the study — well worth reading — plus a tool kit and other helpful information:  http://www.engineeringmessages.org/   There is also now a Facebook page  http://www.facebook.com/engineersCTC?ref=stream for Changing the Conversation where they post videos and other media that demonstrate effective messaging.   Here is today’s post, a video from a Canadian chapter of  Engineers Without Borders.

Engineers Changing the Conversation

 Engineers Serve The World (ESTW) Video. This narrator of this video begins by saying “the world is calling for a new kind of problem solver – I believe engineers can and willl change the world, by serving society.” It features a diverse group of student engineers involved in Engineers Without Borders-Canada, who describe engineers as “people people” who understand “how technology feeds into systems and societies.” Engineers “have a unique systems view” and are “fearless,” “flexible,” and “resourcesful,” they say; “engineers are ready to change the world.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb1MrCHlArE&feature=player_embedded

ENGINEERING FOR EVERY CHILD

This is excerpted from the President's Letter I wrote for The Works' newsletter, in May 2010.  The Works is a nonprofit museum and design lab where kids can explore how things work.  I truly believe that hands-on engineering can be a wonderful activity and inspiration for every child.

Why teach engineering to every child?  After all, not everyone is going to become an engineer, or a scientist, or work in manufacturing.  The answer is that hands-on engineering for children is a creative, purposeful, joyful activity that inspires many useful kinds of learning.

Engineering is about making things, and every child delights in building something real that works:  a car that rolls, a catapult that flings, a unique kaleidoscope, a solar oven that melts a marshmallow to make a sweet treat.  It’s hands-on learning at its best:  engaging, meaningful and memorable.

Engineering teaches a process of identifying and solving problems. Children discuss goals, gather information, brainstorm possibilities and come up with imaginative solutions.  “We live in a time where creativity, innovation and imagination drive the world,” says Autodesk guru Tom Wujec.  Engineering helps every child develop these abilities.

Engineering does require understanding how things work.  It motivates and re-enforces careful observation, analytical thinking and science and mathematics concepts.  In our increasing technological world, this practical knowledge is both enlightening and essential.

Engineering involves making things better.  Children can quite bluntly evaluate what works well and what doesn’t.  Engineering challenges them to think again and try again, a fundamental, unforgettable life skill.  At The Works, we often see kids deeply absorbed in this quest to make something better.  And there’s nothing as thrilling as their triumphant cry, “It works!”  

The skills learned through hands-on engineering lessons -- creativity, confidence, analysis, judgment,  persistence, teamwork -- will enrich every child's life and work.