From inside the K-12 educational system, it’s easy to believe that both STEM and STEAM initiatives are a done deal — since every school district offers them. This, however, is far from the truth. A research poll conducted by Google discovered that only 40 percent of schools within the United States offer STEM education classes covering subjects like computer science and programming.

 

Although there are a number of reasons why districts might not offer STEM education (that has to deal with resources and budget cuts), students should still know what engineering is and how it plays a role in our lives every day.

 

Understanding the World of Engineering

 

For starters, engineering is defined as the application of scientific knowledge to solve problems in the real world. With that in mind, an engineer’s job is to design, create, develop, test, modify, maintain, and inspect a variety of different products, systems, and structures. Engineers also supervise construction sites and recommend materials needed to complete certain projects, and they even teach engineering courses at colleges and universities.

 

The world of engineering is divided into a wide variety of specialty areas that has helped changed the world around us:

 

Mechanical Engineering:The demand for mechanical engineers has been rising at a steady rate throughout the years. That’s because mechanical engineering is responsible for designing, manufacturing, inspecting, and maintaining equipment. They’re also responsible for controlling systems and machines as well. Most mechanical engineers work in general-purpose or automotive manufacturing companies, and they typically spend most of their workday in the office before heading out to visit different work sites. Mechanical engineers spend a lot of time at work and often put in really long hours.

 

The reality is, anything that involves force, motion or high energy involves mechanical engineering. Since this type of engineering works with all types of mechanical systems, jobs in this career field can span across multiple industries. So, the next time you sit in a car or turn on your air conditioning system, just know that there was a mechanical engineer behind the development. Engineers who work with these industries are naturally curious and practical, and they carry the desire to help people and the world around them.

 

Electrical Engineering: An electrical engineer is someone who designs and develops new technological devices and tests different types of equipment. According to the University of California, Riverside, electrical engineers are among the unsung heroes of the ongoing revolutions in mobile computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and renewable energy. Why? Well, because their the masterminds behind the designs.

 

In most cases, they’re also in charge of solving problems if the devices created aren’t working the way they should be. Like most careers, electrical engineering has been revolutionized thanks to technology. In the late 1800s, for instance, many electrical engineering pioneers like Alexander Graham Bell began their careers as telegraph operators, which involved sending and receiving messages simultaneously. In today’s world, however, individuals who study in this area now work with robots, computers, cell phones, wiring, and light fixtures in buildings.

 

What do these engineers do?

 

Electrical engineers typically begin a project by defining what new technological devices should do. Once they have a theory in mind, they will then start working to design the circuits and hardware of the electronic device by using computers. After the circuits are designed, a prototype will be created and tested to help improve the product. Like most technological devices, the first go-around almost always has some issues associated with it that need to be addressed. If that is the case, then the engineer responsible for developing the device will need to figure out what went wrong to make the product work. Because of the skills required to be an electrical engineer, they’re in high demand and highly sought after.

 

Nuclear Engineering: A nuclear engineer is responsible for operating activities of a nuclear power plant and making sure that the safety standards are met by employees. These individuals not only develop nuclear equipment but also design it. Nuclear engineers are expected to create instruction manuals that can be used for disposing of waste and other harmful chemicals. This means that nuclear engineers oversee operations to make sure the plant complies with all safety laws listed by the state. They make sure the power plant is a safe place to work by conducting tests around the facility.

 

If for whatever reason regulations aren’t met, then these engineers have the power to shut down the nuclear facility until they feel it’s safe again. Perhaps the best part about being a nuclear engineer is working with other engineers to incorporate new designs of their own. For this reason, engineers who work in this field must also have analytical, math, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills. These individuals also need to be logical thinkers and must be detailed oriented.

 

Conditions That Can Be Used to Promote STEM Success in K-12 Education

 

As faculty members, one of the most important tasks is to find ways to encourage students to consider careers in STEM fields, especially since the world continues to face more and more complex problems. That said, successful K-12 STEM education can help students find answers to these complex questions and open the door to a wide variety of exciting career paths. Sometimes the best way to help students bring this subject to life is by placing classrooms in the hands of a real engineer. That way, they can describe their job in detail and provide students with the opportunity to work with one another and leave an interest in STEM subjects in their young minds.

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H. Davis is a writer who is passionate about K-12 education and loves exploring various ways to make learning a fun experience for everyone. If you can’t catch him online, you might be able to spot him out and about reading up on world news. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241. Thanks!