WHY FAMILY ENGINEERING?
- Increase elementary students' and parents/caregivers' knowledge of engineering and potential careers
- Stimulate students' interest in pursuing STEM* careers
- Develop the ability of STEM majors, informal science educators, teachers, and engineering professionals to conduct informal engineering learning experiences.
Family Engineering is modeled after the successful Family Science and Family Math programs. These programs clearly demonstrated that families are eager to engage in learning activities with their children. It is essential that we inform and engage children in learning about engineering at an early age, because students attitudes about science, math, and careers are often formed before the high school years. Elementary children are at an ideal age for initiating career exploration and are much more likely than older children to enjoy doing educational activities with their parents. Youth need role models--STEM majors, including women and under-represented minorities, engineering professionals and educators who can inspire them to consider technical careers.
*Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
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What is your Engineering IQ?
Q. What is an engineer?
A. Engineers design things to help people…and they design things to work better, more efficiently, safer…
Q. List 5 "problems" that an engineer could help solve?
A. New energy sources, medicines, space ships, cell phones, water treatment, environmental clean up, roads, bridges, tools to help disabled, fuel efficient cars, non-polluting power plants…
Q. What skills do students need to become an engineer?
A.*Math, science, computers, problem-solving, work cooperatively with diverse people
Q. Why would becoming an engineer be a good career choice?
A. Lots of jobs available, good pay, help people, meet the world’s needs. |
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