What is engineering? Elaborating the nature of engineering for K‐12 education

What is engineering? Elaborating the nature of engineering for K‐12 education

What is engineering? What do engineers do? How is engineering related to, but distinct from, science? These questions all relate to the nature of engineering (NOE), and as engineering is incorporated into K‐12 education across the United States, the NOE is becoming increasingly important for students and teachers. This paper presents key dimensions of the NOE via a framework synthesized from studies of the engineering discipline from philosophical, historical, and sociological perspectives, as well as perspectives from within the engineering field.

Suggested Citation

Pleasants, Jacob, and Joanne K. Olson. "What Is Engineering? Elaborating the Nature of Engineering for K-12 Education." Science Education, vol. 103, no. 1, 2018, pp. 145–166., doi:10.1002/sce.21483.