This is National Engineers Week, a celebration to “ensure a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and science. Engineers Week also raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers’ contributions to society.”
Huh? Onto the fun stuff! Here’s a short video about three kids who engineer a new computer game:

My daughter’s recent science fair project (she discovered that plastic rings on soda cans trap bacteria…another reason to avoid the environmentally unsound plastic rings) sparked the first “science/engineering connection” between us. There is a God! I’m not going so far as to suggest that she will suddenly morph into a science-loving pre-teen but here are some timely pointers from the organizers of “Introduce a girl to engineering day” to help move her in that direction:
Tomorrow is “Introduce a girl to engineering day!”
From their website:Women are severely underrepresented in the engineering profession. Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in subjects and the fields of study leading to engineering careers long before they enter college. Experts contend that the major culprit is one of perception among girls and the people who influence them, including teachers, parents, peers, and the media.
So, they recommend the following positive messages be shared with your girls:
Live your life, love what you do. Engineering will challenge you to turn dreams into realities while giving you the chance to travel, work with inspiring people and give back to your community.
Creativity has its rewards. Women engineers are respected, recognized and financially rewarded for their innovative thinking and creative solutions.
Make a world of difference. From small villages to big cities, organic farms to mountaintops, deep-sea labs to outer space, women engineers are going where there is the greatest need and making a lasting contribution.
Explore possibilities. Women engineers often use their skills to go into business, medicine, law, or government. An engineering education will prepare you for many different careers.
February 21st is Engineering Family Day!  The annual event is enjoyed by over six thousand visitors to the Washington D.C. National Building Museum every February.  If, like me, you won’t be able to attend the “live” event, here are some do-it-at-home projects you can build with your family.
Lastly, check out DiscoverEngineering.org, a new site designed for middle school students to learn more about engineering, technology, math and science.
Happy Engineers Week!