Imagine a day without running water, or electricity, or paved roads, or phones, or computers, or air conditioning. Engineers are responsible for designing the systems that deliver these conveniences to our every day lives. People seldom think of what is required for these components of our modern society to actually work. You turn on the faucet and clean water flows from the tap. You flip the wall switch and the lights come on. In both cases, the consumer is at the very end of very big and complex systems that have been engineered by a vast array of technical experts. The engineering profession is one that affects us all, and our society's continued growth and prosperity depends on teachers encouraging students to consider engineering as a career.
National Engineers Week ("E-Week") is February 16-22, 2003. The mission of E-Week is "to promote the engineering disciplines to students and to help expand public recognition of the engineering profession." This week-long celebration was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. This year, more than three million engineers, teachers, and students nationwide will participate in various educational activities. The Georgia Engineers Week Committee and PeachStar Education Services want to make sure you have access to the many materials and resources available in conjunction with this event.
Traditionally, women have been underrepresented in the ranks of engineers. With support from IBM, Georgia's E-Week Committee will host the Introduce a Girl to Engineering luncheon for middle school girls with an aptitude for math/science and an interest in engineering. Women engineers will join these girls at the luncheon to talk about their careers. Teachers may nominate their students by contacting the Georgia Engineering Center (see below).
PeachStar will be airing The Invisible World: Bridgemakers, a 20-minute show highlighting the role of engineers in everyday life on Channel 420 at the following dates and times:
11 AM, Tues., 02/11
7:30 AM, Tues., 02/18
To find out more about how your school can participate in Engineers Week and receive free materials, check for updates on PeachStar or contact Jamie Collins with the Georgia Engineering Center at 404-521-2324 or visit www.engineersweek.com.
