By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Halloween: A Time for Creativity and Engineering

Halloween is celebrated every October 31, and is all about imagination, fun, and tradition. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, Halloween is “a holiday observed on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day,” with roots in ancient Celtic festivals and Christian traditions. Over the decades, Halloween has become a beloved holiday in the United States, marked by costume parties, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and haunted house decorations. This festive season is also an ideal time for engineers, students, and families to apply their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge in creative and engaging ways.

Engineering isn’t just about equations and blueprints, it’s also about problem-solving, design, and innovation, all of which are perfect skills for creating Halloween decorations. Using everyday and recyclable materials, engineers and DIYers can build spooky and interactive decorations that are fun, educational, and even environmentally friendly.

Here are some fun, engineering-inspired Halloween decoration ideas:

  • Pumpkin Elevator: Use recyclable materials like cardboard, pulleys, string, and small weights to build a simple machine that lifts pumpkins. It’s a great way to teach kids about mechanical advantages and physics.
  • Germinating Pumpkins: Turn your pumpkin into a mini science lab. Fill a hollowed-out pumpkin with soil and seeds to watch them sprout. It’s a great way to combine Halloween fun with plant biology and sustainability.
  • Floating Ghosts: Use plastic pipettes, cheesecloth, and clear string to create eerie, floating ghosts. This simple craft demonstrates principles of buoyancy and static balance.
  • Yarn Spider Webs: With just some yarn and tape, you can design large web patterns that mimic spider silk structures. This is a hands-on introduction to geometry and pattern design.
  • Paper Bats: Folding and cutting paper into bat shapes not only adds a spooky touch but also provides a fun lesson in symmetry and aerodynamics if you make them fly.

These projects are a great way to engage kids and adults alike in STEM, showing that engineering can be fun, hands-on, and festive.

Happy Halloween!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Understanding the Metric System in the U.S.

Last week marked National Metric Week, an annual observance that highlights the importance and utility of the metric system in science, education, and everyday life. While the metric system is widely used across the globe, the United States remains a notable exception in its limited adoption of this international standard. To honor National Metric Week, let’s highlight some important facts:

• The metric system originated during the Age of Enlightenment: It was developed in France as part of a broader effort to create a rational and universal system of measurement. In 1799, the metric system was officially adopted in France and designed to be simple, logical, and based on natural constants.

• The metric system gradually became a global adaptation: It became the standard in most of Europe and later spread to nearly every country worldwide. Today, only three countries have not fully adopted the metric system as their primary system of measurement: the United States, Liberia, and Myanmar.

• Today, the United States still hasn’t converted to the metric system: During the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. became heavily reliant on manufacturing industries, which were already standardized in imperial units (e.g., inches, feet, pounds). Switching to a new system would have required a massive overhaul of tools, machinery, and production standards. This transition was viewed as both costly and time-consuming, which discouraged widespread adoption. While the U.S. officially recognizes the metric system, and it is widely used in scientific, medical, and military applications, imperial units remain the dominant standard in daily life. However, some industries, such as automotive manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on metric measurements due to international trade and regulatory standards.

National Metric Week serves as a reminder of the global standardization efforts that began over two centuries ago and continue to influence international cooperation in science, technology, and trade. While the United States may be an outlier in its use of the imperial system, the metric system remains a crucial part of education and scientific work across the country. By understanding the history and challenges of metric adoption, we can better appreciate the role of measurement in our modern world.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • 0 Comments

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, we take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Hispanic individuals who have made lasting impacts in engineering, science, and space exploration. Among them are three pioneers whose achievements continue to inspire generations around the world.

o Franklin Chang-Díaz – Costa Rican-American Astronaut and Physicist
Born on April 5, 1950, in San José, Costa Rica, Dr. Franklin Chang-Díaz broke barriers in both science and space. After completing his early education in Costa Rica, he moved to the United States, where he finished high school in Connecticut. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1973, followed by a Ph.D. in Plasma Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1977. Dr. Chang-Díaz became a NASA astronaut in 1981. Over his distinguished career, he completed seven spaceflights, which were missions STS 61-C, STS-34, STS-46, STS-60, STS-75, STS-91, and STS-111 before retiring in 2005. His work contributed significantly to space technology.

o Ellen Ochoa – First Hispanic Woman in Space
Ellen Ochoa, born on May 10, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, is a proud Mexican American who made history as the first Hispanic woman to go to space. A highly accomplished engineer, she earned both her master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Her journey into space began on April 8, 1993, with the STS-56 mission. Ochoa would go on to complete four spaceflights in total, which were missions STS-56, STS-66, STS-96, and STS-110. Beyond her work as an astronaut, she later became the Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, becoming a role model for women and Latinas in STEM fields.

o Zoilo Hermógenes García Peña – Aviation Pioneer from the Dominican Republic
Born on December 21, 1881, in La Vega, Dominican Republic, Zoilo Hermógenes García Peña holds a foundational place in the history of Dominican aviation. After studying civil engineering and aviation at the Institut Industriel du Nord in France, he returned to his homeland and was officially recognized with the exequatur, allowing him to practice engineering in the Dominican Republic. In 1911, García Peña designed and built his first aircraft, which he named the Poliplane, meaning “multiple wings” in Spanish. He successfully flew his plane in the United States, earning recognition as the first Dominican pilot. His pioneering work led him to be remembered as the father of aviation in the Dominican Republic.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Read a New Book Month: A Time to Explore, Learn, and Connect

Read a New Book Month is celebrated each September with the goal of encouraging people to expand their knowledge through reading. This observance promotes the benefits of reading new material, especially from different genres and subjects, as a way to gain fresh insights and broaden personal perspectives.

Books offer a unique opportunity for authors to share stories, ideas, and experiences. Through this exchange, readers are able to connect with people, cultures, and viewpoints that may be very different from their own. Exploring new genres, whether fiction, history, science, or technical subjects, can deepen understanding and stimulate critical thinking.

Participating in Read a New Book Month can be simple and rewarding. Joining book clubs, becoming a member of a local library, or even starting a reading group with friends are great ways to celebrate and encourage reading within a community.

For those interested in expanding their knowledge in engineering, several noteworthy books provide a strong foundation in key areas:
• Steel Structures – Design and Behaviour by Charles G. Salmon and John E. Johnson
• Environmental Engineering by Howard S. Peavy, Donald R. Rowe, and George Tchobanoglous
• Building Construction by B.C. Punmia
• Construction Project Management by Frederick Gould and Nancy Joyce
• Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon

Whether for professional development or personal interest, diving into a new book this September is a meaningful way to engage with the world of knowledge and ideas.

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Celebrating National Aviation Day

Today, August 19, 2025, is National Aviation Day, an annual observance dedicated to honoring the men and women who pioneered human flight and made significant contributions to aviation history. This day serves as a reminder of the incredible advancements in aviation and offers a chance for everyone to appreciate how far we’ve come in the field of flight.

Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about flying, there are many meaningful ways to observe and celebrate National Aviation Day.
Here are some great ways to get involved:

1. Visit an Aviation Museum
Explore the rich history of flight by visiting an aviation museum such as the Intrepid Museum, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, or the Space Shuttle Pavilion. These institutions often feature vintage aircraft, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that highlight aviation’s evolution over time.

2. Attend an Airshow
Experience the thrill of aviation firsthand by attending an airshow in your area. Watch stunning aerial displays and aerobatic performances by skilled pilots. These events are both exciting and educational, showcasing the capabilities of modern and historic aircraft.

3. Take a Flight
Feel the excitement of being in the air by booking a scenic flight or taking a flying lesson. Many flight schools and aviation centers offer introductory flights, giving you a chance to experience what it’s like to be behind the controls or simply enjoy the view from above.

4. Volunteer with Aviation Organizations
Support the aviation community by volunteering your time and skills. Whether it’s helping at an airshow, assisting with aircraft restoration, or participating in outreach programs, your involvement can help promote and preserve the aviation industry.

5. Learn About Aviation History
Take the opportunity to dive deeper into aviation's fascinating past. Read books, watch documentaries, or join an online course to learn about the pioneers, innovations, and challenges that have shaped modern aviation.

On National Aviation Day, let’s come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements in flight and honor the legacy of the Wright brothers and other aviation pioneers. Whether you're in the air or on the ground, there's something for everyone to appreciate on this special day.