All about the “E” … National Engineers Week – February 19-25

We love STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math – but this week, it’s all about the E! National Engineers Week runs February 19-25.

Engineering careers span many disciplines, from aerospace to the environment (on Earth), from computers to biomedical applications to manufacturing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the field of engineering will grow as much as 10 percent in the coming decade. It’s important to help students understand their options and see the opportunities.

Students learn in and out of school, so STEM Learning Ecosystems create and leverage partnerships among K-12 schools, museums, higher education, professional associations, employers, and more. These partners work to engage all young people in experiential learning to develop life and employment skills. This week, many Ecosystems are focusing on engineering.

The ISEP STEM Ecosystem is hosting a variety of workshops, talks and activities at the Buffalo Museum of Science, including:

• Learn how to protect wetlands, lakes and other aquatic resources with the Army Corps of Engineers
• Understand electricity with conductive Play-Doh and LEDs with engineers from Northrop Grumman
• Design a marble rollercoaster with the American Society of Civil Engineers and Engineering Society of Buffalo
• Use batteries and wiring to turn a large nail into an electromagnet with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
• Join students in the University at Buffalo Engineering Clubs for a dozen STEM-related activities

After lots of hands-on activity, another way to celebrate engineering is to relax and see a movie! The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) recommends Hidden Figures, a compelling story of three African-American women whose math, engineering and computer science work was critical to the early missions of the U.S. space program. The movie is based on a book of the same title. The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance is offering a virtual Hidden Figures book club with online discussion and video interviews with female STEM professionals. Inspiration drives learning and commitment, and Hidden Figures is inspiring millions!

The dynamic collaborations within STEM Learning Ecosystems provide a combination of practical advice and inspiration to all young people. However you approach it, take advantage of National Engineers Week to encourage a young person or group of students to consider engineering.

Learn more about the STEM Learning Ecosystems initiative and find resources for your Ecosystem at stemecosystems.org. Join our online conversations on Twitter@STEMecosystems and #STEMecosystems and on Facebook.