Resources for Exploring the World of Science and Engineering
Explore the work of science and engineering with these resources from PBS LearningMedia. Through resources profiling careers in engineering and an interactive that investigates three possible career paths in engineering technologies, students can learn about the ways in which scientists and engineers work in many different settings, including colleges and universities, businesses and industries, specific research institutes, and government agencies.
Neil deGrasse Tyson | NOVA | 6-12 |Video
In this video profile from NOVA scienceNOW: “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers,” meet astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who was “called” to study the cosmos at the age of nine. Tyson describes the two events that influenced his decision to become an astrophysicist: first, a live planetarium show, and, two years later, receiving his first telescope. From then on, he was hooked.
Mayim Bialik | NOVA | 6-12 | Video
In this video profile from NOVA scienceNOW: “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers,” meet neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, who discusses her long-held fascination with science. As a teenager, Bialik played the title role on the television series Blossom. She explains how a biology tutor during that time inspired her to fall in love with science and pursue her science interests. While Bialik has since earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience—the science of how you think—she continues to act. Now Bialik plays Amy Farrah Fowler on the television show The Big Bang Theory. The character is considered by some to be a role model to aspiring female scientists.
Career Spotlight: Bioengineer | KQED | 9-13+| Video
Tejal Desai is a bioengineering professor who is investigating new treatments for diabetes. Using nanotechnology, she is developing a tiny capsule that contains pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This capsule would be implanted in a patient’s body and act as an artificial pancreas. In high school, Desai wasn’t sure what career path to pursue. As a freshman, she participated in a National Science Foundation program focused on engaging girls in science where she met a lot of inspirational women, including a biotech engineer. She says the topic appealed to her because “engineering could have direct health applications and help people.”
Electrical Engineer | Think | 7- 13+ | Video
In this career profile video, electrical engineers describe how their cutting-edge research leads to new technologies such as touch screens, smart phone displays, super-fast computers, and even artificial intelligence. Professionals describe what they love about their jobs, and their educational background and career path, as well as a number of career tracks and applications for electrical engineering.
Aerospace Engineer | Think | 7- 13+ | Video
Aerospace engineers describe the work they do within the two major aerospace subfields of aeronautical and aerospace engineering. They discuss what they love about their job, how they use STEM concepts they learned in high school on the job, and that you do not have to be “a rocket scientist” to become a rocket propulsion expert.
Careers in Engineering Technologies | WGBH | 6-12 | Interactive
In this interactive activity produced for Teachers’ Domain, investigate three possible career paths in engineering technologies: research and development; manufacturing and construction; and inspection, testing, and repair. Explore each path to learn more about the education and experience required for particular jobs such as drafter, materials testing technician, chemical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, robotics technician, manufacturing engineering technologist, aerospace engineering technician, electronic engineering technician, and non-destructive testing technician.
NEW in PBS LearningMedia
Teaching Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Engineering Design Through Media is a collection of activities and professional development resources drawn from programs such as WGBH’s Design Squad Nation and The Museum of Science’s Engineering is Elementary. These media-based resources illustrate and deepen teachers’ understanding of Next Generation Science Standards and help them bring engineering alive for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Find more resources to explore the world of science and engineering at PBS LearningMedia.