Q&A with Dr. Ley
Q: What is Engineering is Everywhere?
A: It's a fun and effective program that inspires and educates children about engineering. It is designed to teach kids who are in 4th-6th grade about what engineering is, what engineers do, and what types of engineers solve different kinds of problems.
Q: Why is it important for students to learn about STEM subjects and careers?
A: Engineering is fun, and the world needs more engineers. Engineers are problem solvers, and the world has many types of problems that need to be solved. We need as many hands on deck as possible, and this includes populations that traditionally might not have been as encouraged to enter STEM fields. Additionally, sadly, most kids and even adults don't really know what engineers do. How many people have the potential and interest in addressing the problems engineers solve, but never had the access to the information they needed to know engineering is or was a possibility for them? With a career in engineering, you can make a great living, contribute to society, and really enjoy what you do.
Q: Is elementary school too young to teach students about careers in engineering?
A: You have to inspire children early. In elementary school, kids are still excited about learning new things, and are still deciding what they're good at. Research has shown by middle school, children have already decided if they're interested in math and science. This is a great time to introduce the excitement of engineering and show them what engineers do. In addition, if a student knows they are interested in engineering before high school, they will be more likely to know to take more math and science in high school to help them prepare for the college coursework.
Q: I've heard that many states are going to require engineering curriculum in elementary schools. Does Engineering is Everywhere address this?
A: Combining math and science to solve real world problems is what engineering is all about. Therefore, we expect that this program should be directly applicable to any elementary level engineering curriculum. We believe the hands-on activities and videos give children the unique experience not available with other existing curriculum.
A: It's a fun and effective program that inspires and educates children about engineering. It is designed to teach kids who are in 4th-6th grade about what engineering is, what engineers do, and what types of engineers solve different kinds of problems.
Q: Why is it important for students to learn about STEM subjects and careers?
A: Engineering is fun, and the world needs more engineers. Engineers are problem solvers, and the world has many types of problems that need to be solved. We need as many hands on deck as possible, and this includes populations that traditionally might not have been as encouraged to enter STEM fields. Additionally, sadly, most kids and even adults don't really know what engineers do. How many people have the potential and interest in addressing the problems engineers solve, but never had the access to the information they needed to know engineering is or was a possibility for them? With a career in engineering, you can make a great living, contribute to society, and really enjoy what you do.
Q: Is elementary school too young to teach students about careers in engineering?
A: You have to inspire children early. In elementary school, kids are still excited about learning new things, and are still deciding what they're good at. Research has shown by middle school, children have already decided if they're interested in math and science. This is a great time to introduce the excitement of engineering and show them what engineers do. In addition, if a student knows they are interested in engineering before high school, they will be more likely to know to take more math and science in high school to help them prepare for the college coursework.
Q: I've heard that many states are going to require engineering curriculum in elementary schools. Does Engineering is Everywhere address this?
A: Combining math and science to solve real world problems is what engineering is all about. Therefore, we expect that this program should be directly applicable to any elementary level engineering curriculum. We believe the hands-on activities and videos give children the unique experience not available with other existing curriculum.
