Discover and explore National Engineers Week
Print
EmailLearn how you can make a difference and raise awareness about engineering and technology careers by engaging youth in engineering activities.
Have you ever considered engineering as a future career option? Do you know what engineers do? Discover the exciting field of engineering during National Engineers Week, February 16-22, 2014.
Engineer Week was started in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Now more than 120 engineering associations, educational institutions, businesses and government agencies are part of the coalition striving to raise awareness and interest in engineering and technology careers.
“Let’s Make a Difference” is the 2014 theme for National Engineers Week. Parents, educators, youth development workers, engineering professionals and volunteers can facilitate and coordinate a variety of activities to engage youth and help them explore engineering careers. The following are just a few ideas:
- Invite an engineer to your club, group or classroom.
- Organize a visit to a college campus or an engineering company.
- Coordinate an Experience Engineering Day at a local school, library or community center with hands on activities.
- Coach a Future City team of youth.
- Start a 4-H club focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
- Mentor youth in the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Tech Wizard program.
- Plan to visit Michigan State University’s campus on April 1-6, 2014 for the second annual Science Festival.
In addition, Michigan State University Extension and 4-H Youth Development have curriculum and programs that can be incorporated throughout the year to introduce youth to engineering fields. These programs include:
- 4-H TechXcite is an engineering curriculum used nationwide in after school programs. It was developed jointly by 4-H and Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. It offers hands-on modules that are free to download on a diverse range of engineering areas including biomedical technology, solar energy, green architecture, and wireless communications.
- 4-H Robotics: Engineering for Today and Tomorrow. This curriculum is broken down into three levels and is appropriate for youth in grades 4-12.
- 4-H Renewable Energy Camp: This camp will be held at Michigan State University from June 23-27, 2014. Youth will have an opportunity to tour a power plant, a wind farm, the Kellogg Biological Station, campus labs, conduct their own experiments and create their own biofuel.
Whether you are interested in medicine, the environment, food, computers, aerospace, automotive, or entertainment, an engineering career can be found in many industries. Just take the time to discover if engineering is for you.
