Activities to unleash your potential

In this International Day of Women in Engineering, we honor the achievements and contributions of women in the field of engineering. Let’s use this day to inspire and empower the next generation of women engineers. We are able to cultivate the interest and curiosity of our students through interactive learning activities that incorporate technology and the engineering design process.

Engineering education is important for girls and young women because it equips them with valuable skills and opens doors to diverse opportunities. Girls can develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills as they explore their curiosity about how things work. Engineering education also empowers girls to become confident and capable individuals, preparing them for a variety of exciting careers they previously didn’t think possible. By encouraging girls to pursue their passions and contribute their unique perspectives to engineering-related concepts and designs, they help foster a more inclusive and innovative world.

These are just a few ways to start girls on the path to a future in engineering.

It shows famous female engineers.

Foster collaboration skills by assigning groups of students to create interactive presentations using Google Slides or LYNX, highlighting the achievements and impact of notable women in various engineering disciplines. This engaging activity encourages students to explore the contributions of these exceptional engineers and promotes a deeper understanding of the possibilities within the field of engineering. Highlight pioneers like:

• Ada Lovelace, a pioneering mathematician and writer, collaborated with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine. Recognized as the world’s first female computer programmer, her algorithm for her Engine laid the foundation for modern computing and algorithmic thinking. Her legacy continues to shape the field of technology.

• Emily Warren Roebling, a noted civil engineer, made vital contributions to the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Taking over as chief engineer after her husband fell ill, she displayed remarkable knowledge and determination in managing the complexities of the project. Emily’s exceptional engineering prowess and leadership were instrumental in the bridge’s successful completion, challenging gender stereotypes in a male-dominated field.

• Hedy Lamarr, actress and inventor, co-developed frequency hopping spread spectrum during World War II. This innovative technology, created with composer George Antheil, was intended to shield torpedoes from jamming. While not immediately used, her invention laid the foundation for modern wireless systems like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS, highlighting the fusion of creativity and scientific innovation in her engineering contributions.

• Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, recognized as the “Queen of Carbon Science”, was a distinguished physicist and electrical engineer. Her pioneering research focused on carbon-based materials such as nanotubes and graphene, which fueled advances in the fields of renewable energy and nanotechnology. Her contributions have been invaluable to scientific progress in these areas.

• Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first African-American woman to venture into space. In addition to being an astronaut, she is a doctor and an engineer. Her fervor for science and engineering serves as an inspiration to many young women, encouraging them to pursue STEM fields and fostering diversity and inclusion in the realm of space exploration.

• Dr. Gwynne Shotwell, who serves as SpaceX’s president and chief operating officer, occupies a crucial position in the aerospace industry. Her exceptional leadership and engineering prowess have been instrumental in the success of SpaceX missions and the innovative advancement of reusable rocket technology, revolutionizing the field of space exploration.

• Vanessa Galvez, a young civil engineer from Queens, NY, helps develop urban infrastructure focused on sustainability. At just 26 years old, she oversaw the implementation of bioswales in Maspeth, Queens. These areas help control stormwater and prevent flooding in cities, while also creating beautiful greenery on the landscape, which is good for urban ecosystems.

Bring engineering concepts to life through hands-on projects and experiments.

Captivate students by displaying dynamic simulations and virtual experiments that vividly illustrate engineering principles. For example, My power kits offers a number of kits that require an interactive and hands-on engagement.

• He Bridge Engineering Kit Guide students to test the strength of six different bridges and see how the different designs handle stress.
• Students can also explore electrical circuits with the Circuit Diagram Kit and the Circuit Lab Kit that focus on the design, planning, and observation of circuits.
• With the Ball Bearing Catapult Kit, students can explore the concepts of force, energy, and trajectory as they design, modify, and launch their catapults to hit targets or reach maximum distance.

MyStemKits is home to dozens of STEAM design challenges that encourage students to model 3D solutions for a wide range of challenges, from optimizing ships to creating rocket parts. These challenges allow students to unleash their creativity using easy-to-use software like Tinkercad. Once they finish their design, they can 3D print it on their robotic 3D printer and watch your creation come to life. After printing it, they must test it and then start over to iterate on their creation to improve its efficiency, cost, or printability.

Robotics presents an exciting avenue for exploration.

Engage students in hands-on activities where they can program robots like the MyBot Recruit (Boxlight’s MimioSTEM). Encourage them to take on real-world challenges by programming their robots to complete specific tasks. Through these experiences, students enhance their engineering skills while fostering creativity and honing their problem-solving skills.

Coding can spark creativity and problem solving skills in students. Involve them in the design and programming of virtual mazes using block-based platforms or coding robots. Students can create challenging mazes with obstacles, paths, and characters, and use their coding skills to navigate the maze. This activity fosters computational thinking and empowers students to become creators in the digital world.

On this International Day for Women in Engineering, let’s celebrate the achievements of women engineers and empower our students to become the engineers of tomorrow. By incorporating interactive learning activities, we can ignite a passion for engineering and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the field.

For more resources on STEM education, including those specifically for girls and women, click here: Great guide to STEM education.

To explore STEM education solutions that engage students, click here: mimioSTEM.