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GK-12 Sensors!
Portable Module

Title: America’s Engineering Problem

Author: Raymond Kennard

Discipline: All grades and topics

Introduction

This module is a PowerPoint presentation about engineering and the issues that America is and will be facing if the current trends in education continue. It informs the students about engineering and the benefits of being an engineer in today’s society. The presentation covers topics including but not limited to current growth in the number of engineers that America is producing compared to the world, the gender discrepancy with in the current population of engineers and the projected outcomes. After the presentation, a group discussion of the situation is preformed to get the students input and further their understanding of what the consequences are if the trends are continued and how that will impact their lives. Also the students are asked to generate a list of solutions, if any, which may be implemented to solve the current problem.

Associated Maine Learning Results

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
L. COMMUNICATION
M. IMPLICATIONS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Required Equipment

For presentation "America's Engineering Problem":

  • Video projector
  • Computer with PowerPoint

For discussion:

  • Caulk/white board to write down idea/comments

List of Possible Mediation Questions for Directing Discussions

  1. Why aren't there more U.S. students entering engineering fields?
  2. Why aren’t there more women entering engineering fields?
  3. What will happen if the U.S. "falls behind" other nations in terms of science and technology?
  4. What should/could we do to solve these problems?
  5. How can we inform more students about these fields? (E.g. in kindergarten and 1st grades, have students meet/visit engineers as well as fire/police departments.)