Around the world, all types of engineers work together every day to help make communities and people healthy, happy and safe! What are these different engineer types? From biomedical to agricultural engineers, all are creative problem solvers innovating solutions that shape our futures. Take a closer look at the sampling of engineering types below to learn what kind of work they do! We also provide three examples of TeachEngineering activities that showcase each engineering type for elementary, middle and high school levels.
Biomedical Engineers
combine engineering and design principles with medical and
biological sciences to research and develop devices, tools,
systems and software that advance healthcare.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
The Artificial Bicep Grade Level: 5 (4-6)
Saving a Life: Heart Valve Replacement Grade Level: 7 (6-8)
Artificial Heart Design Challenge Grade Level: 9 (9-12)
Mechanical Engineers
design, test and manufacture mechanical devices such as engines, tools and other machines. They apply physics, mechanics and materials science principles to the creation of mechanical devices for all sorts of purposes—from prosthetic limbs to industrial assembly lines.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Cars: Engineering for Efficiency Grade Level: 3 (2-5)
Hydraulic Arm Challenge Grade Level: 7 (6-8)
Tug of War Battle Bots Grade Level: 9 (9-12)
Aerospace Engineers
design, test and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. They study aerodynamics and propulsion systems to develop new technologies for use in aviation, spacecraft and defense systems.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Pop Rockets Grade Level: 3 (3-5)
Fun with Bernoulli Grade Level: 6 (5-7)
Linear Equation Game Grade Level: 9 (8-9)
Electrical Engineers
design, test and develop new ways to use electrical power to create and improve products. They study and apply their understanding of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism to the manufacturing of electrical equipment.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Potato Power Grade Level: 4 (3-5)
Creating Electronic Textile Art Pins Grade Level: 8 (3-12)
Building an Electromagnet Grade Level: 9 (8-10)
Petroleum Engineers
design equipment and discover new ways to extract oil and gas in the most profitable way. They map underground reservoirs and design methods for extracting fossil fuels from deposits below the Earth’s surface.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
A Closer Look at Oil and Energy Consumption Grade Level: 3 (3-5)
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s to the Mine We Go Grade Level: 6 (4-6)
Cookie Mining: Ore Production & Cost-Benefit Analysis Grade Level: 9 (8-10)
Agricultural Engineers
plan and oversee irrigation, drainage, flood water control systems, and perform environmental impact assessments. They solve agricultural problems and modify environmental factors that impact crop and animal production.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Cutting Through Soil Grade Level: 5 (3-5)
Soil Biosolarization: Using Food Waste ... to Get Rid of Weeds Grade Level: 6 (5-7)
Rooftop Gardens Grade Level: 7 (6-9)
Environmental Engineers
apply the principles of engineering, chemistry, biology and earth science to address issues of energy preservation, strive to improve environmental quality and develop feasible solutions to complex environmental problems.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
A Merry-Go-Round for Dirty Air Grade Level: 5 (4-6)
Oil Spill Cleanup Grade Level: 6 (5-7)
Should I Drink That? Grade Level: 11 (9-12)
Civil Engineers
imagine, design, build, oversee and maintain a wide range of
construction projects, systems and infrastructure. They test building
materials and fabrication techniques to determine the strength and
adequacy of foundations.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Dam Forces Grade Level: 5 (4-6)
Construction Technologies: Create the Strongest Bridge Grade Level: 7 (6-8)
Polygons and Popsicle Trusses Grade Level: 9 (8-10)
Chemical & Biological Engineers
apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics and math to solve problems involving chemicals, drugs and food. They design processes that convert living cells, chemicals and energy into useful products. They research to create improved manufacturing processes and medical care.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Acid Attack Grade Level: 3 (3-5)
The Optimization of Slime Grade Level: 8 (6-10)
Hydrogen-Oxygen Reaction Lab Grade Level: 9 (9-12)
Software Engineers
apply engineering and technological knowledge to design, model, implement and test software in a systematic approach. They are involved in researching, evolving and testing the software and apps that are a growing presence in our lives.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Remote Control Using Bluetooth Grade Level: 5 (4-8)
Mars Rover App Creation Grade Level: 8 (7-9)
Java Programming of OCR Grade Level: 11 (9-12)
Nuclear Engineers
explore nuclear fission and nuclear energy as a means of energy generation. Some engineers invent medical and industrial uses for radioactive materials such as in new equipment that provides medical diagnoses and treatment.
Example TeachEngineering Curriculum:
Powering Smallsburg Grade Level: 4 (3-5)
Dangerous Air Grade Level: 6 (4-6)
Chernobyl Empathy Grade Level: 9 (8-10)