txgcp.org paper tower engineering a hands-on introduction to the grand challenges of engineering in...
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PAPER TOWER ENGINEERING
A HANDS-ON INTRODUCTION TO THE GRAND CHALLENGES OF ENGINEERING IN THE 21ST
CENTURYTricia Berry
UT Austin Women in Engineering ProgramTexas Girls Collaborative Project
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Overview
IntroductionPaper Tower ActivityGrand Challenges of Engineering in the 21st CenturyChanging the Conversation
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Paper Tower Activity
Build the tallest freestanding tower possible with the materials provided
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Eiffel Tower
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La Torre di Pisa
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Engineering Design Process
Define the problem
Gather pertinent information
Generate multiple solutions
Analyze and select a solution
Test and implement the solution
AskImaginePlanCreateImprove
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UT Tower
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Engineering Grand Challenges
for the 21st Century
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Engineering Grand Challenges
for the 21st CenturyMake solar energy economicalManage the nitrogen cycleAdvance health informaticsPrevent nuclear terrorAdvance personalized learningProvide energy from fusionProvide access to clean water
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Engineering Grand Challenges
for the 21st CenturyEngineer better medicinesSecure cyberspaceEngineer the tools of scientific discoveryDevelop carbon sequestration methodsRestore and improve urban infrastructureReverse-engineer the brainEnhance virtual reality
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Engineering
Grand Challeng
esfor the
21st Century
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CHANGING THE CONVERSATION:
MESSAGES FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF ENGINEERING
National Academy Of Engineering (NAE) Reporthttp://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12187
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Youth today...Teens have limited understanding of engineering or engineers (or STEM)
Want well-paying jobs that make a differenceSee engineers (or STEM workers) as helping people, but not directlySee engineers (or STEM workers) as desk jockeys, disconnected from peopleFew teens (<15%) describe engineering as nerdy or boring
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Boys vs. Girls
Both believe engineering is a very good career choiceAfrican American boys (more than girls) think salary extremely important to job choicesAfrican American girls want a job that makes a differenceHispanic girls (more than boys) think engineers are nerdy and boringHispanic boys are more likely to believe engineering has a positive effect on people’s everyday lives
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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:
OutputsCareer opportunitiesMaking a difference in the world
Use the word create, not build
(or STEM)^
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Engineering Messages Recommendations
Use images of people, not things: especially avoid using gears and mechanical looking thingsUse the following five words in describing engineering: discovery, design, imagination, innovation, contributionDescribe engineer as creative problem solvers, essential to health, happiness and safetyEmphasize that engineers shape the future
(or STEM)^
(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 eNewsletterLearn about STEM activities, webinars, events across the state & beyondLearn about research and resources about STEM outreach & educationSign up on the NGCP Program DirectoryShare resources and gain access to collaborative partnersBecome eligible for mini-grantsJoin a Regional K-12 STEM Outreach GroupConnect in your region with K12 STEM activities, volunteers, resources: Central Texas, DFW, East Texas, El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, West Texas
http://www.txgcp.org « [email protected]
« «
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 ProgramHave access to LEGO robotics curriculum, software and materialsBe a part of a national NSF-funded project and be a leader in TexasParticipate in TechBridge Role Model TrainingHave access to online and in-person role model resources, curriculumBe a part of a national NSF-funded project and be a leader in TexasParticipate in SciGirls Curriculum TrainingHave access to online and in-person hands-on activities, resources, curriculumParticipate in K-12 STEM Outreach ForumsExplore regional connections and resources in informal networking eventsUse TxGCP as a STEM Resource and Connector
http://www.txgcp.org « [email protected]
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Thank You!Tricia Berry, [email protected]
Katie Kizziar, [email protected] Trampus, [email protected]