National Engineers Week and Discover Engineering

How Does Discover Engineering Support Hands-On STEM Learning?

National Engineers Week is a nationwide celebration that highlights how engineering drives innovation, problem-solving and collaboration in STEM education for everyday innovation. For educators, it is an ideal opportunity to introduce learners to engineering thinking through hands-on, student-centered learning experiences.

Discover Engineering provides ready-to-use, hands-on engineering challenges that help learners think like engineers while building collaboration, perseverance and confidence. These activities are designed for classrooms, libraries and after-school programs with minimal preparation required.

Key Takeaways:

• Active Engagement: Discover Engineering shifts students from passive observation to active construction through tangible building challenges.
• Student-Led Learning: Clear, visual guides allow students to self-pace and troubleshoot, fostering independence and confidence.
• Skill Development: Beyond mechanics, these challenges foster critical "soft skills" like perseverance, collaboration and evidence-based communication.
• Educator Friendly: Designed for minimal prep, the program integrates seamlessly into diverse learning environments without requiring the facilitator to be an engineering expert.

How Does Discover Engineering Fit Into STEM Education?

This program provides structured engineering challenges aligned with educational standards and classroom needs. It helps learners explore real-world engineering concepts through guided, interactive building.

Learners explore engineering concepts such as gear trains, power ratios and complex machines by building models like trebuchets, cart launchers and transmission systems. The experience is fully educational while remaining engaging and accessible.

• STEM education integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• Engineering education applies STEM concepts through design and problem-solving.
• Discover Engineering connects STEM learning to real-world engineering practices while supporting collaboration, communication and career readiness.

Why Are Hands-On Engineering Activities Important for Learners?

Hands-on engineering activities help learners learn by doing, which strengthens understanding, curiosity and long-term engagement in STEM.

Hands-on engineering challenges support learning by enabling the following:

• Active learning: Learners engage directly with materials, tools and ideas rather than passively observing concepts.
• Project-based exploration: Learners apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges that feel meaningful and relevant.
• Deeper conceptual understanding: Designing, testing and redesigning reinforces how and why systems work.
• Sustained curiosity: Learners stay motivated as they see ideas evolve into functional designs.

Engineering education connects STEM concepts to practical problem-solving, making abstract ideas more accessible and memorable for learners.

How Do Hands-On Engineering Challenges Build Curiosity?

Hands-on engineering challenges build curiosity by allowing learners to experiment, test ideas and discover solutions through iteration. Curiosity increases when learners have ownership over the process and outcomes.

When learners design and build solutions, they naturally ask these questions:

• Why did this design work?
• What happens if I change one variable?
• How can I improve my solution?

This process mirrors authentic engineering practice and helps learners develop a mindset of exploration rather than memorization.

How Do Collaborative Engineering Challenges Build Communication Skills?

Collaborative engineering challenges strengthen communication skills by requiring learners to share ideas, explain reasoning and solve problems together. Engineering is inherently collaborative, and teamwork is central to professional STEM careers.

Discover Engineering activities promote collaboration through:

• Idea sharing: Learners contribute ideas, listen to peers and build on collective thinking.
• Clear communication: Teams explain designs, test results and next steps using evidence.
• Collective problem-solving: Challenges are solved together rather than individually.
• Real-world engineering mindset: Learners experience how engineers collaborate in professional environments.

These skills directly support career readiness, a core goal in STEM education.

How Can Educators Introduce Engineering into Their Programs?

Educators can introduce engineering concepts through engaging, hands-on lessons that emphasize teamwork and problem-solving.

Discover Engineering enables educators to do the following:

• Deliver ready-to-go engineering challenges.
• Minimize preparation time.
• Support diverse learning environments, including classrooms, libraries and after-school programs.

Celebrate National Engineers Week Everyday With Discover Engineering

The hands-on engineering lessons from Discover Engineering are designed to work without extensive prep. These ready-to-go activities bring meaningful STEM learning into your classroom, library or after-school program.