02/12/99

Engineers

February 21 - 27, 1999 marks the 49th annual celebration of National Engineers Week . In just the United States there are more than two million engineers. What do they do? Is it any fun? How hard is engineering school? I found answers to all these questions and more. Follow me, a pocket protector is optional.

Ask an Engineer

"Q. What do chemical engineers do? A. Chemical engineers are involved in a number of different activities, in almost every industry, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, metals (e.g., steel), waste treatment, and food manufacturing." Considering an engineering career, but want more information? Email your questions about "engineering principles and what engineers do on a day-to-day basis" and a volunteer from the Society of Women Engineers will post an answer within the week.

Breaking Through: The Creative Engineer

Creativity is usually thought of in terms of the arts: painting, acting, dancing, singing, sculpting. It is rare to reflect on the creative impulse of engineers, but Breaking Through does just that. This virtual exhibit exploring creativity through the work of modern engineers is organized around eight themes: challenging, connecting, visualizing, collaborating, harmonizing, reorienting, and synthesizing. "The examples illustrate the range and variety of creative engineering at the end of the 20th century." Put this site on your don't-miss-it list.

Build It & Bust It

"Welcome! This is a site about engineering. Perhaps we should say this is a site FOR engineering. The point is, you won't be spoon-feed dull information. Here, you will design and test your own structures and share what you learn with others." Double wow! Builder is a Java applet to build structures (such as bridges and towers) using joints and beams. Once your structure is saved, it can be seen from all angles with the Viewer and stress tested with the Tester. Do not attempt any of this, however, without first reading the instructions. This unbelievably terrific site is my pick of the week.

Engineering: Your Future

Everything here makes an engineering career look fun and exciting. Start with a look at the engineering alphabet from aerospace engineering to transportation engineering, and move on to learn how to choose the right engineering college. Don't miss the list of "many fascinating people" who have been engineers or have a engineering background. Still undecided? Assess yourself with two quizzes designed to determine your success in engineering. "Do you like to work with computers and play video games?" "Do you like mazes and puzzles?" Those who answer "yes" are good candidates for a career in engineering.

Is Engineering For You?

"Engineers investigate the most basic problems facing humanity: food, clothing, shelter, transportation and communication. Engineers are team members who put abstract scientific discoveries into practical applications. Engineers are innovators who take a fresh look at science and technology in order to apply old knowledge to finding feasible solutions to new human problems." This single page online brochure for high school students presents college entrance requirements and choices in engineering disciplines.

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