Marion Middle School

So You Want to be an Engineer? Wood to Wheels - Inquiry Lesson Plan

Lesson Introduction

 Title: What is an engineer?

 Subject/ target grade: 9 – 12

 Duration: 2 class periods, 55 minutes each period

 Setting: classroom, computer lab

 Learning Objectives: In the form “Students will be able to….” o Investigate the numerous fields of study open to people who choose to pursue a career in engineering. o Determine the economic incentive to pursue an engineering degree.

 Michigan Content Expectations: science B, C, P1.2E Evaluate the future career and occupational prospects of science fields.

 Lesson Overview: 2-3 sentences There is a large demand for engineers, and the supply is small. This makes a career in engineering lucrative. Engineers are creative problem solvers who use a variety of tools to make a difference in the world.

Lesson Core

 The Guiding Question: What is it that engineers do to make the world a better place, and is this job for me?

 Materials and Equipment Needed: computer lab with internet access, coordinate with counseling department for additional resources

 Safety precautions: Acceptable use agreement for internet use.

 Advanced Preparation o Secure a computer lab with internet access o Discuss the project with counseling department for additional resources.

 Background Information for Teachers: o Many students are reluctant to pursue careers in engineering because of the mathematics and science involved. o Students believe that engineers are not creative and the work is drudgery. o Engineers are found in a variety of fields and are creative problem solvers. o The 4% of the population that are engineers provide the majority of the jobs for the remaining 96%.  Engage: How will the teacher introduce the question in a way that engages the students’ interest and builds on their prior knowledge? o What kind of career can you pursue that creatively solves problems, is a benefit to society, and is also financially rewarding?

 Building on prior knowledge: Questions that the teacher might ask to assess students’ prior knowledge. o What is an engineer? o What tools do engineers use? o How many kinds of engineers are there?

 Pre-teaching: Information that students need to know to begin exploration. o The student will be preparing a resume as if they are the engineer, so the student should choose a field that they are moderately interested in. This should not prove difficult. Information that the student should look for: . How many years of education? . What the student will study in college? . What the engineer will do in their chosen career? . What is the starting salary? . What are the chances for advancement? . What is the job satisfaction of engineers already in the field?

Example of a Resume Format:

[Your Name] [Street Address], [City, ST ZIP Code] [phone] [e-mail] Summary  Demonstrated achiever with exceptional knowledge of international markets, business practices, and trade regulations.

 Strong marketing and finance background combined with fluency in several languages, including “Advanced Level” U.S. State Department certification in Russian Language Reading Comprehension.

 Skilled at learning new concepts quickly, working well under pressure, and communicating ideas clearly and effectively.

 Extensive computer training, including knowledge of multiple networking environments and business software packages.  Enthusiastic and experienced in overseas travel.

Education Masters Degree in Russian & East European 2000 Studies Oak Tree University, Washington, D.C. 1998 B.A. Degree in Foreign Languages Elm College, Coral Gables, FL Concentration in Russian, Spanish, French, & Italian; graduated cum laude with 3.8 G.P.A. 1999 Completion of Intensive Language Training Program Maple Grove Institute, London, England

Career History & Accomplishments Assistant to the Director of Business 2004 Development, Fabrikam, Inc.

 Worked directly with Director of Business Development and Director of Strategic planning of this large, publicly-traded provider of home healthcare services.

 Researched and wrote marketing, financial, and feasibility reports concerning new business acquisitions and acquisition prospects.

 Played key role in preparing a successful $5 million federal grant proposal to provide the company’s home therapy products to rural U.S. areas.  Prepared corporate financial reports and service contracts for the CFO. Russian and East European Coordinator, A. Datum 2003 Corporation

 Held key responsibility in this small import/export company for helping facilitate trade deals with former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries.

 Served as interpreter and translator for Vice President in major business negotiations. Reviewed company compliance with all applicable customs laws and procedures.  Initiated multiple overseas joint ventures and served as liaison for foreign customers on business in the U.S. Administrative Assistant to the Vice President, Contoso, 2001- Ltd. 2002

 Handled administrative functions for the Vice President of the Executive Car Lease Program, a sales division catering primarily to the diplomatic community and the federal government.

 Assisted in preparing contracts and sales proposals for customers.  Established reports to track products throughout the United States and develop further customer contacts for Contoso, Ltd.

Memberships & Affiliations

 Founding member of the Former Soviet Union Florida Chamber of Commerce

 Member, American Association for Advancement of Slavic Studies

 Member, World Affairs Council

 Explore: How will the teacher facilitate the students’ exploration of the problem and collection of data. o The teacher, working in concert with the counseling department, will suggest possible internet sites to begin the search. o Templates for the resume will be provided.

 Explain: How will the students be expected to explain their data or evidence? o The student will complete the resume, consulting with the teacher or a counselor about any confusing aspect.

 Elaboration: How will the teacher facilitate the sharing of student explanations? o The students will give a short, one minute presentation about their chosen engineering field, as if they were on a job interview. o If a student wishes, they may give a personal presentation directly to the teacher.

 Evaluate: How will the teacher connect the student explanations and bring out the big scientific idea. o The students will give a short, one minute presentation about their chosen engineering field, as if they were on a job interview. o If a student wishes, they may give a personal presentation directly to the teacher.

In this case, the same process can be used to accomplish both the elaboration and the evaluation.

 Lesson Closure: Questions that the teachers might ask to bring the big scientific idea of the lesson. Questions that the teacher might ask to assess mastery of the learning objectives. o How many different ways in how many different fields can engineers make a living? o Is engineering a field where a person can make a difference, and a living?

Lesson Extension

 Assessment Options: o Student researches a single engineering field and gives a presentation on the chosen field. o Student researches multiple engineering fields and provides a summary.  Additional Resources: o Microsoft Office Online offers several other resume templates.

o Additional resume templates may be found on numerous sites.

o Counseling Department may have valuable input into research for this activity, as well as presentation suggestions.

o America's Science Job Conundrum http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/15/america-science-job-conundrum/

o Revenge of the nerds: STEM jobs grow faster, pay better than most The Business Journals - by Kent Hoover Date: Monday, July 25, 2011, 12:00am EDT About 7.6 million Americans were employed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in 2010, according to a new Commerce Department report.

That represented 5.5 percent of the total work force. STEM jobs grew at three times the rate of non-STEM jobs over the past decade, the report found, and are expected to continue to grow at a higher-than-average rate over the next decade. STEM workers also earned 26 percent more than non-STEM workers.

"A STEM education is a pathway to prosperity -- not just for you as an individual but for America as a whole," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "We need you in our classrooms, labs and key government agencies to help solve our biggest challenges, and thata's why we are investing heavily to promote STEM education."

http://www.bizjournals.com/extraedge/washingtonbureau/archive/2011/07/25/bureau4.h tml