By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and life.
Ask Explorers to identify the four major branches of engineering. Have an Explorer record each branch on a separate sheet of chart paper. As needed, briefly review with participants the types of projects an engineer might encounter in each field.
Chemical engineering—the study of chemicals and the process of creating new materials and compounds
Mechanical engineering—the study of designing mechanical systems
Civil engineering—the study of designing and constructing public and private works
Electrical engineering—the study of designing electrical systems and components
Match the Engineering Discipline
Prior to the meeting, print four copies of the Match the Engineering Discipline activity sheet and cut the disciplines into strips.
Divide the Explorers into teams, and have each team pick one branch of engineering. Give each team one set of paper strips from the activity sheet. Allow teams some time to review the disciplines and discuss which disciplines might match their assigned branch. Then, have the Explorers take turns taping the disciplines to the branch that they picked and explaining why they picked them. As needed, allow Explorers to do a quick search of Internet references if they encounter an unfamiliar term. Keep the discussions moving while teams make their decisions.
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Equipment: Measuring tape, newspaper, clear tape
Method: Give each Explorer two full sheets of newspaper and five minutes to construct a tower. The tallest tower that can stand longer than 30 seconds wins.
Variation: Follow the same instructions, but give each Explorer 8 inches of clear tape. See how much taller the towers can become with this added support.
Equipment: A plastic bag or lightweight fabric, scissors, string, a small object to act as the weight
Method: Give teams of Explorers five minutes to design a parachute for the weighted object. Explain that their objective is to create a parachute that is the last one to touch the ground when all are released from a given height.
Scoring: The last parachute to touch the ground wins.
Hot Potato
Equipment: Effervescent tablets (such as Alka-Seltzer), small balloons, water, safety glasses
Method: Have the Explorers put on safety glasses and form a circle, preferably outdoors. Fill a small balloon with an inch of water, and drop a tablet into the water. You may need to break the tablet into pieces. Inflate the balloon, tie it shut, and pass it to an Explorer. The objective of the game is not to be holding the balloon when it pops! Have Explorers pass the balloon to the person next to them. The person holding the balloon when it pops is eliminated. Start another balloon around the circle.
Scoring: The winner is the remaining Explorer.
Gather the Explorers together after completing the activities to discuss what took place and why. Use the reflection questions that follow.