PAPER TOWER ENGINEERING A HANDS-ON INTRODUCTION TO THE GRAND CHALLENGES OF ENGINEERING IN THE 21ST CENTURY Tricia Berry UT Austin Women in Engineering Program Texas Girls Collaborative Project
Overview Introduction Paper Tower Activity Grand Challenges of Engineering in the 21 st Century Changing the Conversation
Paper Tower Activity Build the tallest freestanding tower possible with the materials provided
Eiffel Tower
La Torre di Pisa
Engineering Design Process Ask Imagine Plan Create Improve Define the problem Gather pertinent information Generate multiple solutions Analyze and select a solution Test and implement the solution
UT Tower
Engineering Grand Challenges for the 21 st Century
Engineering Grand Challenges for the 21 st Century Make solar energy economical Manage the nitrogen cycle Advance health informatics Prevent nuclear terror Advance personalized learning Provide energy from fusion Provide access to clean water
Engineering Grand Challenges for the 21 st Century Engineer better medicines Secure cyberspace Engineer the tools of scientific discovery Develop carbon sequestration methods Restore and improve urban infrastructure Reverse-engineer the brain Enhance virtual reality
Engineering Grand Challenges for the 21 st Century
CHANGING THE CONVERSATION: MESSAGES FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF ENGINEERING National Academy Of Engineering (NAE) Report http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12187
Youth today... Teens have limited understanding of engineering or engineers (or STEM) Want well-paying jobs that make a difference See engineers (or STEM workers) as helping people, but not directly See engineers (or STEM workers) as desk jockeys, disconnected from people Few teens (<15%) describe engineering as nerdy or boring
Boys vs. Girls Both believe engineering is a very good career choice African American boys (more than girls) think salary extremely important to job choices African American girls want a job that makes a difference Hispanic girls (more than boys) think engineers are nerdy and boring Hispanic boys are more likely to believe engineering has a positive effect on people s everyday lives
Engineering Messages Recommendations Stop reinforcing the images of nerdy and boring Stop focusing on math and science as the needed inputs and instead focus on: Outputs ^ (or STEM) Career opportunities Making a difference in the world Use the word create, not build
^ (or STEM) Engineering Messages Recommendations Use images of people, not things: especially avoid using gears and mechanical looking things Use the following five words in describing engineering: discovery, design, imagination, innovation, contribution Describe engineer as creative problem solvers, essential to health, happiness and safety Emphasize that engineers shape the future ^ (and scientists)
The TxGCP connects organizations and individuals across Texas committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Sign up to receive the TxGCP enewsletter Learn about STEM activities, webinars, events across the state & beyond Learn about research and resources about STEM outreach & education Sign up on the NGCP Program Directory Share resources and gain access to collaborative partners Become eligible for mini-grants Join a Regional K-12 STEM Outreach Group Connect in your region with K12 STEM activities, volunteers, resources: Central Texas, DFW, East Texas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, West Texas http://www. STEM@
The TxGCP connects organizations and individuals across Texas committed to informing and motivating girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Participate in Water Works Underwater Robotics Program Have access to LEGO robotics curriculum, software and materials Be a part of a national NSF-funded project and be a leader in Texas Participate in TechBridge Role Model Training Have access to online and in-person role model resources, curriculum Be a part of a national NSF-funded project and be a leader in Texas Participate in SciGirls Curriculum Training Have access to online and in-person hands-on activities, resources, curriculum Participate in K-12 STEM Outreach Forums Explore regional connections and resources in informal networking events Use TxGCP as a STEM Resource and Connector http://www. STEM@
Thank You! Tricia Berry, tsberry@mail.utexas.edu Katie Kizziar, ktk@mail.utexas.edu Kristian Trampus, kristian.trampus@gmail.com