Should Engineering Become A Staple Of Elementary and Secondary Education?

George Bugliarello certainly believes that engineering concepts should become part of the basic curriculum.   Engineering, as a discipline, instills a way at looking at things which is quite different from any other field.  In particular it differs from science in its focus on creating vs. investigating.  A number of engineering concepts are already being introduced in the primary and secondary schools in the form of small building projects ( building a bridge or a weight bearing structure with tooth picks, etc. ).  The subject matter is certainly introduced in many high schools today in the form of computer programming.  However, teaching a generalized structured thought process that can be used to consistently create a solution that meets the needs of a particular challenge is typically lacking.

Engineering is a creative art which is grounded in practicality.  It combines the use of the imagination with the discipline of science and mathematics.  In the most general sense engineering philosophy teaches how to use information logically to create durable solutions to problems or needs.  When you think about it in that broader sense engineering is what everyone attempts to do in their lives and their jobs at regular intervals.  I for one believe that adding engineering subject matter which introduces the engineering mind set to the primary and secondary education system should certainly be considered seriously.  What is you opinion?

George Bugliarello’s views can be learned below;

A New Trivium and Quadrivium

Online Mechanical Engineering Design Resource

If you ever get stranded on the road without your favorite theoretical mechanical engineering resources you may want to use the following website. It is full of information that will allow you to evaluate whether a particular equation or theory applies and a number of other subjects which are germane to mechanical engineering design. It includes information on a wide range of materials, design, processes, unit conversion, formulas and engineering mathematics. All the content is created by experienced academic and professional engineers.  I was impressed and I think you will be too.

Efunda Home

Create Your Own College Rankings Using Forbes “Do It Yourself”

Engineers in general like the idea of defining how data is used to make decisions using scientific, statistical and engineering principles.  Here is a chance for an aspiring engineering student, parent or both to create their own college ranking system according to their own preferences using the metrics used by Forbes.   You get a list of the top 20 according to your criteria.

I have examined the tool and I would use the not important  and very important radio buttons only to get the widest range of choices.  Trying to use a combination  of the middle buttons tends to bring up pretty much the same colleges and universities in slightly different ranking positions.  Try it and you will see what I mean.

Do it Yourself

Rank Colleges Your Way