THE INSTITUTEThis year’s DiscoverE Engineers Week promises to “invent amazing,” bringing engineering to life for kids, educators, and parents throughout the United States. Running from 17 to 23 February, EWeek celebrates engineers and the way they change the world with museum exhibits, science competitions, and mentorship programs.
The festivities kick off on 16 February with Discover Engineering Family Day at the National Building Museum, in Washington, D.C. Now in its 27th year, Family Day introduces children to the joy and wonders of engineering with hands-on activities that are both educational and fun. IEEE-USA will be there, helping children build and launch rockets made from effervescent antacid tablets. The exercise pays homage to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Also being held in Washington are the national finals of Future City, an engineering design competition for middle school students. More than 40,000 students from the United States and other countries imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future. The winners of regional competitions are set to present their project on 19 February. IEEE-USA sponsors the award for the “most advanced smart grid.”
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, 21 February, is designed to show girls that they can help engineer a better world. Volunteers organize Girl Day events across the country to share their knowledge and passion, helping to inspire and empower girls to consider careers in engineering.
It’s not too late to get involved in any of the activities—just visit the websites. Discover Engineering also offers plenty of resources, training, videos, and other materials to create your own event, including free Engineers Week and Girl Day kits.
To promote your event or to find others to participate in, visit the Engineers Week calendar.
Corey Ruth is a media relations associate at IEEE-USA.