NASA GRC NEWS RELEASE 99-09

News Release 99-09

For Release: February 18, 1999 Lori J. Rachul NASA Lewis Research Center (Bus: 216/433-8806) NASA ENGINEERS TO VISIT NORTHEAST OHIO SCHOOLS Engineers and scientists from NASA Lewis Research Center will be traveling to elementary, middle and high schools throughout several counties in Northeast Ohio during National Engineers Week, February 22-26, 1999, to share with students their experiences and enthusiasm for science and math. Approximately 85 Lewis engineers and scientists will visit over 60 schools, making more than 100 presentations to over 8,000 students. Their interaction with the students will show how math and science can be challenging yet fun, and how engineering relates to everyday life. The hands-on presentations are aimed at inspiring some of the students to consider engineering as a career. "I enjoy going out to the schools to let the students know that engineering and science can be fun and is for girls as well as boys," said Dr. Beverly Aikin, Case Western Reserve University resident research associate at Lewis, "I try to relate my work as a metallurgist and materials scientist to what the students already know and use demonstrations and experiments to encourage them to expand their knowledge and interest. I especially enjoy the "thank you" notes and cards from the students I receive a few weeks after my visit, they let me know what and how much the students pick up." The National Engineers Week activities in the Cleveland area are a joint effort between the local National Engineers Week Committee and the Educational Programs Office at Lewis. The National Society of Professional Engineers established National Engineers Week in 1951. Its purpose is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession. Engineers are practical inventors who use science and technology to turn ideas into reality, making our lives easier, healthier, more productive and more fun. National Engineers Week takes place each year at the time of George Washington's birthday. His agricultural, military and land-surveying skills led to his acquiring the title of our nation's first engineer. He directed a growing society toward technical advancements, invention and education. An order issued by George Washington in June 1778 called for engineers and engineering education and is considered to be the origin of the U.S. Army Engineer School. # # # 99-09 -end-