Engineering is complicated science, right? Or is it math? Find out where engineering fits in the subjects you teach your children! Steve Wells talks about the academic components and thinking skills that go into engineering, on today’s Home School Heartbeat with HSLDA President Mike Smith.
Mike Smith:
Homeschooling dad and Navy engineer Steve Wells is with me this week to discuss how engineering might fit into your homeschool program. Steve, which academic subjects are involved in engineering?
Steve Wells:
Mike, the core subjects that are most helpful for up-and-coming engineer students are courses like physics, chemistry, math, and writing. And yes, you heard me right—writing is one of those fundamental courses of study that will serve an engineer for their entire career.
Mike:
That’s very interesting! Now, are there other thinking skills that engineering requires or cultivates?
Steve:
I would say, nurture the art of discovery. Direct your student’s mind to learn how to ask discovery questions like, “Why are the ends of fish tails and birds’ wings tapered the way that they are?” Did you know that engineering answers that question? Why is it that when you drop two objects that weigh different amounts at the same height, why do they hit the ground at the same time? I know that wood floats, in water that is, and aluminum sinks. But why is it that when you shape aluminum foil like a boat, does it not only float, but it also has the ability to support the wood and other objects as well?
Mike:
Steve, thanks for that information today and thanks for joining us again! We’ll talk about some hands-on applications of this on our next program. And until then, I’m Mike Smith.
