Public Understanding of Engineering

August 2nd, 2008

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Full Book | PDF Summary | Podcast

Changing the Conversation:
Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering

Status: Available Now
Size: 164 pages, 6 x 9
Publication Year:2008

PAPERBACK
ISBN-10: 0-309-11934-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-309-11934-4

This new book from the National Academies Press provides actionable strategies and market-tested messages for presenting a richer, more positive image of engineering.  This so the United States can continue to lead the world in innovation. The public understanding of engineering is a key component of the innovation engine. A related concern is how to encourage young people particularly girls and under-represented minorities to consider engineering as a career option.  This book presents and discusses in detail market research about what the public finds most appealing about engineering as well as what turns the public off.

Changing the Conversation is a vital tool for improving the public image of engineering and outreach efforts related to engineering. It can be used by engineers in professional and academic settings including informal learning environments (such as museums and science centers), engineering schools, national engineering societies, technology-based corporations that support education and other outreach to schools and communities, and federal and state agencies and labs that do or promote engineering, technology, and science.

The full text can be read on-line free, and a free podcast is available.  For sale are pdf or print versions.

Engineers Australia

July 31st, 2008

Engineers Australia is the Australian national forum for the advancement of engineering and the professional development of their members. With over 80,000 members embracing all disciplines of engineering, Engineers Australia is the largest and most diverse professional body for engineers in Australia.  They work with government, industry and tertiary education providers to promote engineering as a discipline.  Their chartered engineers are regarded as trusted professionals not only in Australia, but worldwide.

Engineers Australia stated role includes activities that:

  • Advance the science and practice of engineering;
  • Cultivate lifelong learning by our members;
  • Promote the contribution of the profession as widely as possible;
  • Champion professional and ethical conduct;
  • Welcome all those who wish to practise engineering;
  • Allow members’ aspirations to flourish; and stimulate and learn from their creativity and innovation;
  • Celebrate excellence in engineering outcomes;
  • Draw inspiration from our engineering heritage;
  • Sustain the integrity of the profession; and
  • Take the lead in advocacy of the profession.

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FE Exam Review

July 23rd, 2008

Oklahoma University’s Internet resource for Fundamentals of Engineering Review can be useful in preparing for the first of the two tests needed to become a licensed professional engineer.

The link to this site is: http://www.feexam.ou.edu/

You can select various engineering subjects and even generate sample tests.

Univ. Oklahoma FE Test Review

 

See also our previous post with another source of review material.

 

Clean Water Act

July 23rd, 2008

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the Clean Water Act (original title: Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972). 

The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. “Clean Water Act” became the Act’s common name with amendments in 1977.

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Plainfield Home

July 22nd, 2008

Plainfield Home Awarded Gold Certification in Green Building

The home, built by St. Thomas Homes of Naperville is one of the 2008 Cavalcade of Homes Models. It becomes only the fourth home certified this year in the entire U.S. under the NAHB’s National Green Building Program.

For Immediate Release

Plainfield, Illinois June 18, 2008 - This green home is gold! St. Thomas Homes, a custom home builder in Naperville and Plainfield announces that the “Tiana Leanor,” a model home constructed for the 2008 Northern Illinois Home Builders Association (NIHBA) Cavalcade of Homes has received a Gold Certification from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Program. Additionally, the home has earned the ENERGY STAR® which means it meets strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. According to ENERGY STAR guidelines, these homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and includes additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. Lantz Rakow, President of D & H Energy Management of Huntley, Illinois, attests the Tiana Leanor is the most energy efficient home he has tested. Rakow is an approved verifier for meeting ENERGY STAR specifications and evaluated the home according to the EPA’s procedures. “When compared to a home of similar size, I expect this home to use 60 to 70% less in total energy use,” explains Rakow. “It is truly an impressive home in terms of energy savings.”

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exiderdome

July 22nd, 2008

Here is a press release professional engineers might be interested in.  The tour started this week in Chicago.

April 17, 2008

Siemens Announces U.S. Tour of exiderdome

Signature Marketing Campaign To Help Siemens Build Its Business in the United States

ATLANTA — Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. (SE&A) today announced that exiderdome, a traveling technology expo and learning laboratory, will begin the U.S. leg of its world tour in Chicago this summer. exiderdome is the biggest automation marketing campaign that Siemens has ever undertaken in the United States, the company’s largest market.