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

Design Your Future

This week we are celebrating Engineer’s Week, and this year’s theme is “Design Your Future.” This annual event is a special celebration to bring awareness to the difference engineers make in our world.

Each year, DiscoverE, an organization focused on supporting and promoting the growth of the engineering and technology communities, encourages the youth to explore the STEM community through interactive lessons, child-friendly activities, and involvement with their own local engineering communities. Additionally, across the nation, DiscoverE hosts a series of workshops and presentations to promote the importance of engineering. The youth are able to meet and speak with veteran engineers, participate in fun, educational activities, and learn about the global scale of engineered contributions. Whether you wish to join in the celebration by using social media hashtags to raise awareness or just encouraging your students to do so, this year's topic is in line with the quickly evolving technologies and offers a range of methods to get engaged and learn about how to get involved.

For more information on upcoming STEM events sponsored by DiscoverE, visit https://discovere.org/engage/engineers-week/
#Eweek2025 #DesignYourFuture

 

Image Credit: Henry Ford Collection / Public Domain
By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Elijah McCoy: An African American Pioneer in Engineering

February is African American History Month. Therefore, it is the ideal time to highlight the engineering accomplishments of Elijah McCoy, an African American who, despite facing racism, social injustice, and prejudice, persevered and achieved remarkable feats in the engineering industry.

Elijah McCoy was born in Canada in 1844 to runaway slaves who had escaped Kentucky through the Underground Railroad. At the age of 15, he moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for an apprenticeship. There he became certified in mechanical engineering. Upon leaving Scotland, he moved to Michigan, where his family was now living. After being unable to find engineering work in Michigan because of his race, he found work as a fireman with the Michigan Central Railroad. Part of his duties included oiling the steam engine parts. Soon, McCoy had invented an automatic engine lubricator, which meant that trains were no longer required to stop for lubrication, and lubrication could now occur while the trains were moving. As news of the invention spread, many inventors attempted to create their own version of the automatic lubricator. However, it was soon discovered that McCoy’s invention was superior. It is said that railway engineers began requesting “the real McCoy” lubricator. McCoy filed a total of almost 60 patents, including designs for an ironing board, a lawn sprinkler, and other machines.

Happy African American History Month!

 

 

Image Credit: Henry Ford Collection / Public Domain

 

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

Earth’s Rotation Day

Did you know that scientists have recently concluded that the Earth's rotation has been accelerating?

We recognize January 8 as Earth's Rotation Day because French physicist Leon Foucault discovered that it revolves on its axis once every 24 hours in 1851. Since this discovery, scientists have been examining the Earth's daily rhythms, which are responsible for our ability to experience daylight cycles.

The Earth has been found to be rotating more quickly than usual in recent years, which may result in shorter days. According to TimeAndDate.com, “On June 29, 2022, Earth completed one spin in 1.59 milliseconds less than 24 hours.” Based on this rotation speed, we might see a "negative leap second," in which case our atomic clocks will have to skip a second to synchronize with the Earth’s rotation if the days keep getting shorter. Some scientists believe that the “negative leap second” could happen as early as 2029 if Earth’s rotation continues with its current speed. Based on recent studies, there have been many speculations that the melting ice phenomenon is causing the Earth’s rotation to accelerate. For example, places like Greenland and Antarctica have been experiencing rapid ice melting. The article “NASA-Funded Studies Explain How Climate Is Changing Earth’s Rotation” by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, stated that “a recent study measures the extent to which polar motion is being driven by climate-related processes, such as the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. And another study examines how Earth’s day is getting longer due to polar meltwater" (Wang & Lee, 2024). Researchers have been studying these changes for decades, trying to understand and find a solution to this rapidly growing issue of melting glaciers.

Researchers and engineers have been working on geoengineering techniques to potentially reduce the melting glaciers. Underwater barriers and curtains have the capacity to prevent warm water from reaching the glacier floor, making them one of the most promising geoengineering strategies that could have a beneficial effect on the melting glaciers. Another geoengineering strategy that might help with melting glaciers is drainage. The drainage will be able to control the flow of meltwater, which could reduce possible hazards and avoid flooding. To conclude, renewable energy sources are also promising strategies to control greenhouse gas emissions, which is one of the contributing factors of climate change. Based on published data, the primary contributors to the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the environment are human activities like using electricity and transportation. So, let's commemorate this Earth's Rotation Day by raising awareness of our environmental issues.

Happy Earth’s Rotation Day!

 

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

Ecological Engineering

Is ecological engineering the key to a harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity?

The term ecological engineering can be traced back to the 1960s when pioneer Howard T. Odum introduced the concept in his publications. Mr. Odum is known for his research and theory regarding energy flow, systems ecology, and other studies relating to ecological engineering. To this day, ecological engineers use previous and new concepts to help reconstruct our environment. For decades, ecological engineers have been working creatively to develop various strategies to integrate human activities with the environment for the mutual benefit of both. Concepts such as restore, conserve, and enhance are used by ecological engineers to bring awareness to creating less waste and to being more conscious of how we use our resources.

One of the key areas where ecological engineers have made significant contributions is in the creation and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems by filtering pollutants, providing habitat for various species, and mitigating the impacts of floods. Ecological engineers work to design and construct wetlands that mimic natural processes, allowing them to effectively perform these functions. By doing so, they not only provide valuable ecological services but also offer recreational opportunities for humans to enjoy.

Another important aspect of ecological engineering is the development of wastewater treatment plants. These plants play a vital role in ensuring that human waste is properly treated before being released back into the environment. Ecological engineers employ various technologies and techniques to design wastewater treatment systems that are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By treating wastewater effectively, these plants help protect water bodies from pollution and ensure the availability of clean water for both humans and wildlife.

Ecological engineers strive to create sustainable solutions that promote the well-being of both humans and the natural world. By adhering to these principles, we can work towards a future where human development and environmental conservation go hand in hand.

 

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

Snow Removal Tips

As we have entered another winter season, it’s time to prepare for everyone’s favorite holiday activity: shoveling snow. Instead of suffering when shoveling, why not simplify the task with a few simple suggestions?

Before the snow falls, take some preemptive action. Anything that you don't want to be ruined by snow should be removed from your yard, including decorations, hoses, dog tie-outs, and children's toys. To avoid unintentional snow accumulation when it comes time to shovel, stake out garden beds or other areas of your yard that hold items that cannot be carried inside or kept in a shed. A little home surveying goes a long way!

To reduce how much clearing you’ll have to do, try obtaining a few waterproof tarps, and don’t forget to weigh or tie them down when being used to avoid them from flying away. Waterproof tarps can be positioned over sidewalks, walkways, and even vehicles to protect their surfaces and lessen post-snowfall cleanup. Before going outside to remove the tarps and make shoveling snow easier, wear gloves, boots with good traction, and layers of clothes. Remove the tarp once the snow stops falling to expose clear vehicles and/or pathways underneath. Even though it could take some shoveling to lighten the weight of the tarp, it still offers a good amount of protection.

Now, when it comes to shoveling snow, make sure you’re doing it correctly and safely. Do some research on the different types of shovels to determine which ones are the right fit for you. Shovels come in different types, shapes, and price points. After selecting the shovel that fits your needs best, make sure when raising the shovel, you bend at the knees rather than the back to protect your back. Consider not overfilling the shovel to avoid shoulder strain. Speed is not as important as safety! If possible, try to shovel the snow as soon as it stops snowing, as fresh snow tends to weigh less than snow that has begun to melt. And don’t forget to add salt on clear areas to avoid hard ice from developing, causing dangerous, slippery areas.

Have a safe winter!