FAMILY ENGINEERING: INTRODUCING ENGINEERING TO PARENTS and CHILDREN

The goal of Family Engineering is to engage, inspire, and encourage elementary and middle school students to consider careers in engineering and science through hands-on activities with their parents at Family Engineering Nights.This program is designed to address the United States' need for an increased number, and greater diversity, of students skilled in math, science, technology and engineering.A Family Engineering Activity Guide and Family Engineering program for 5-12 year-olds and their parents is being developed, modeled after the popular Family Science and Family Math programs.Family Engineering will increase public understanding and appreciation of the role engineering plays in everyday life, as well as encourage parents and children to consider engineering as a career.Student chapters of professional engineering organizations on college campuses, elementary classroom teachers, engineering professionals, and informal educators at museums, will be encouraged to host Family Engineering events.A compendium of family engineering activities is under development.