August 24, 2023

Introducing Kids to STEM

Introducing kids to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an early age is a fantastic way to spark their curiosity, promote critical thinking, and lay the foundation for future learning and potential careers in these fields. Remember that every child is unique, and their interests in STEM might vary. The goal is to make learning enjoyable and engaging, so be flexible in adapting activities to suit the kid's preferences. By nurturing their curiosity and providing them with positive experiences, you can lay a strong foundation for their lifelong journey in STEM.

Portrait of smiling little school kids in school corridor-1

Here are some effective strategies for introducing kids to STEM:

Hands-on Activities: Kids learn best when they can engage in hands-on activities. Provide them with age-appropriate STEM kits, building blocks, puzzles, or experiments that they can explore and manipulate.
Outdoor Exploration: Take them on nature walks or trips to science museums, planetariums, zoos, or botanical gardens. Encourage them to observe and ask questions about the natural world.
Science Experiments: Conduct simple science experiments at home using household items. Teach them about the scientific method and encourage them to make hypotheses, experiment, and draw conclusions.
Coding and Robotics: Introduce basic coding concepts through kid-friendly platforms and programming languages. Robotics kits like LEGO Mindstorms or programmable toys can make learning coding more interactive.
Educational Apps and Games: There are numerous apps and games designed to teach kids about various STEM subjects in a playful and engaging way. Look for apps that align with their interests.
Books and Videos: Find age-appropriate books, documentaries, and videos that explore scientific concepts. Platforms like YouTube have educational channels specifically geared towards kids. One popular show and book series, The Magic School Bus, is a great example of a fun introductory book/video series for kids interested in STEM..
STEM Clubs and Camps: Join a local STEM clubs or camps where kids can collaborate with peers on projects, experiments, and challenges. There are many national programs out there (such as girls who code) and local ones perhaps hosted by your SEA chapter.
Family Projects: Involve the entire family in a STEM-related project. This could be building a model, conducting an experiment, or creating a simple machine.
Real-World Applications: Show how STEM concepts are used in real life. For instance, explain how math is used in cooking, science in gardening, and technology in everyday devices.
Role Models: Share stories of famous scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and inventors. Learning about their achievements can inspire kids to pursue STEM interests.
Project-Based Learning: Encourage kids to work on longer-term projects that involve problem-solving, research, and creative thinking. This can instill a sense of accomplishment and the ability to tackle complex challenges.
Celebrate Mistakes: Teach kids that making mistakes is a natural part of learning. Use errors as opportunities to discuss what went wrong and how to improve.

RISA is proud to support our community’s youth who wish to enter into the STEM field. Check out one of our recent events here where we partner with our local United Way to invite students into the world of structural and software engineering. Maybe this event will inspire you to reach out to youth in your area and introduce them to the world of Engineering!

Tags: Featured, Structural Engineering

July 27, 2023 | Featured, BIM, Structural Engineering

Benefits of Investing in BIM

What percentage of your design work uses BIM software? The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is steadily increasing in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. In many regions, BIM has become a standard practice for large and complex projects, while in others, it is still in the early stages of adoption. As BIM adoption continues to grow and industry practices evolve, it's likely that more design work will utilize BIM software. So how can your AEC business benefit from this trend? Investing in BIM offers several benefits, including: Improved Collaboration: BIM enables all stakeholders in a construction project to work together more effectively, reducing the potential for errors, misunderstandings, and conflicts. Enhanced visualization: BIM provides a 3D model of the building, which can help stakeholders visualize and understand the design, and make informed decisions. Increased Productivity: BIM reduces manual tasks, increases accuracy, and streamlines workflows, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. Better decision making: BIM provides a comprehensive view of the building and its components, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and minimize the risk of errors and rework. Improved sustainability: BIM can help identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, reducing the building's carbon…

August 29, 2024 | New, Structural Engineering

Engineering Tomorrow: When to Switch Spreadsheets for Structural Software

If you’re a structural engineer, chances are you’ve spent a fair amount of time tinkering with Excel spreadsheets. They’re incredibly handy for quick calculations, like determining load capacities, checking code requirements or designing individual specialty components. In fact, many professionals use spreadsheets to perform tasks that are quite similar to those done by specialized structural design software. This raises an interesting question: Why should a structural engineer invest in software when spreadsheets seem to get the job done? It's a fair point, so let’s break it down. Comparison side-by-side Want to learn more about the benefits of structural software? Reach an Engineer Why Use Spreadsheets for Structural Design & Analysis? It Costs Nothing But Your Time Spreadsheets are like the Swiss Army knives of structural design. They’re free, versatile, and, with enough effort, you can tailor them to meet your exact needs. You might even find templates online, although the quality can vary widely. However, be prepared to invest significant time upfront in creating, refining, and maybe even coding some macros or VBA scripts. But once it’s set up, you’re off to the races. Potentially More Transparency When you build your own spreadsheet, you know it inside and out. Every…

October 25, 2023 | Featured, Structural Engineering

Aging Infrastructure: Retrofitting for Longevity

Aging infrastructure is a multifaceted problem. Many of our essential structures were built decades, if not centuries, ago, and were not initially designed to meet the demands of our rapidly changing world. Factors contributing to the challenge of aging infrastructure include. Older structures may not meet current safety and design standards, which can pose risks to public safety. The corrosive effects of time and exposure to the elements can weaken structural materials, leading to reduced load-bearing capacity and increased maintenance needs. Many older bridges and roads were constructed with lower traffic volumes in mind, making them ill-equipped to handle modern traffic loads. Climate change and evolving weather patterns can accelerate the degradation of infrastructure, leading to more frequent and severe maintenance and repair needs. Retrofitting for Longevity To address the challenge of aging infrastructure, structural engineers are increasingly turning to retrofitting. Retrofitting involves the modification and strengthening of existing structures to improve their performance, safety, and extend their service life. This approach offers numerous benefits. Retrofitting ensures that structures meet current safety standards, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. Retrofitting is often a more sustainable option than complete replacement, as it extends the life of existing infrastructure and reduces waste…