What Does An Engineer Do?

Written by Erin CejkaAdapted by Rhonda Hawley

An engineer uses math, science, and creativity to make and improve the

things we need.

There are many types of engineers just like there are many types of

doctors.

A civil engineer builds structures

that are still such as bridges, roads, and tunnels.

A mechanical engineer builds machines that move like a dishwasher, a car, or a rocket ship.

An electrical engineer builds things that require

electricity such as a computer, a video game or a television.

A chemical engineer works with chemicals. They can create new materials, clean up oil spills, or design a process tomake gasoline.

Engineers always work as a team. They share their ideas and try them out. They continuously run into problems and have to make changes.

We use many things engineers have made everyday.

Can you think of some examples

in the classroom?

Can you think of any at home?

What are some other things that engineers build?

Look around.See all the things that have been

engineered!

Are you an engineer of the future?

Measure to the nearest

centimeter

height

width

Did you measureit this way?

2-D

two dimensional

planeheight

w i d t h

3-D

three dimensional

solidheight

w i d t h leng

th

Credits:• Terry Green of Lincoln School shared the contents of this soon to be published

book via FAX, with Rhonda Hawley of MathScience Innovation Center. First viewed at NSTA Boston Conference at a workshop for K-2 teachers in 2008.