A Quick Guide on Introducing Kids To Engineering

One of the most high-demand jobs in the market is engineering by far. With an abundance of jobs in the field of engineering, as well as promising prospects on the horizon, there is no better time than to take part in this rising industry.

Now, you might be wondering how you can get your kids to learn and invest in the wonders of engineering. Well, the good news is that it’s hands-on and simple to get your kids started in this career at an early age.

In this quick guide, we will show you 6 tips on how to introduce engineering to your kiddos.

1. Define Engineering to Your Child

“First, you should talk to your child about what engineering is,” says Taylor Wilson, a tutor at Write my X and 1 Day 2 write. “Since the term ‘engineering’ has evolved over the years, it’s important to tell your child how that term has different paths to follow, especially when it comes to designing, creating, and maintaining things.”

2. Describe The Different Types of Engineers

Keep in mind that there is more than one type of engineer in the industry. That is good, because what if your child is interested in different forms of engineering? Then that would be a good time to discuss how there are different types of engineers. You can explain that engineers don’t just build things (i.e. machines and structures), but they can also do other things in the industry, like planning or consulting.

With that said, consider the following roles:

Chemical engineers
Civil engineers
Electrical engineers
Environmental engineers
Manufacturing
Material scientists
Mechanical engineers
Software engineers
Structural engineers
Systems engineers

3. Describe Engineers as Problem-Solvers

Problem-solving is and should be a part of your child’s life. So, why not give them that lesson early on through engineering?

Engineering has a design process that must be followed to create and maintain something on the backend of things. It is a step-by-step process that engineers use to help them solve problems, make their designs efficient, and improve on their designs to make them better. Thus, learning this at an early age can be essential for kids not only in engineering but in many other aspects of their life.

4. Extra-Curricular Activities

Did you know that there are many extra-curricular activities centered around engineering? It’s true!

Nowadays, many schools and institutions are welcoming programs and educational events that kids can join to learn more about this rising industry. Whether they are local or national, such events can help grow children’s interests in engineering. Even science fairs can help your child get involved in engineering without needing to be “qualified” for a spot in learning the field. These events also allow for collaborations, interpersonal skills, and even friendships.

Programs like Engineering For Kids offer a variety of subjects to encourage students to learn about engineering and not fear these subjects in the future.

5. Find A Mentor

“Children will need as much wisdom in engineering as they can get,” says Jenna Sterling, a tech blogger at Origin Writings and Brit Student. “That’s why it’s important to find a mentor that can teach your child the inner workings of engineering – what to learn, what experiences to take part of, and how to learn more about the topic.”

In hindsight, mentorship can help your child in the following:

Insight into the ever-growing industry
Key social issues in the industry
Listening skills
Problem-solving ventures

6. Use The Internet

Finally, the Internet is not as bad for your kids as one might suspect. In fact, engineering has already made its way to computer games, shows, online videos, and so much more. There are a plethora of resources out there and all you have to do is search for them.

Plus, if you want your kids to read, then consider looking up articles on engineering, or even subscribe to an engineering-related magazine to read to them. Countless articles provide helpful information on engineering, and they can help kids build skills in problem-solving, along with critical thinking, planning, and analyzing situations.

If your child loves gaming, then consider sandbox games like Minecraft, which allow them to build, collect, and analyze items. By reinforcing these concepts in a gamified fashion, you’re able to keep children engaged and having fun, especially if they love Minecraft!

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is a mountain of possibilities when it comes to engineering. If your child is interested in the field, then it is important to get them started today, so that they can be more prepared for what’s to come in this lucrative career.

As you keep these 6 tips in mind in this quick guide, you’ll be able to prepare your child for the wonders of engineering. Not only will they learn about engineering, but they’ll also learn plenty of skills like collaborations, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

About the Author: Regina Wheeler is a writer and editor at Write my literature review and Thesis writing service. She is also a contributing writer for Next Coursework. As an eLearning consultant, she specializes in engineering and coding.

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