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The Engineering Place

Engineering At A Glance

Engineering is the art and science of solving real-world problems. Whether it's designing a better shoe, imaging the human body, packaging food safely, developing new adhesives, or building the next video game, engineers use creativity and technical skill to make ideas work. Engineers use math and science, but also art, social studies, language arts, and more.

K–12 Outreach Opportunities, By Grade Band

The Engineering Place, NC State Engineering Elementary Day Summer Camp

Elementary School

Everyday engineering examples, Engineering Minds in Motion, day camps, Family STEM Nights, Bits & Bytes (elementary track).

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Middle School

Career self-reflection, Future City, Science Olympiad, Bits & Bytes (MS track), day camps.

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The Engineering Place, Engineering Summer Camp, Residential

High School

Young Scholars research program, discipline-choice framework, FEDD, residential camps, Bits & Bytes (HS track).

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Engineering Resources

Activities and Lesson Plans

Two free libraries of ready-to-teach engineering challenges: one for stand-alone activities, one paired with a read-aloud for literacy integration. Use them as-is or adapt them for your classroom.

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Engineering Kits

Hands-on activity kits that students, teachers, and families can borrow. Catapults, circuits, bridges, and more, each with everything you need for a full lesson, no prep required.

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Engineering Design Process

The five-step framework—Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve—anchors every activity we teach. Free printable poster included.

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FAQs About Engineering

Curious what engineers actually do, or whether engineering is the right path? Get straight answers on what the work looks like, why people choose it, and how to start preparing, at any grade level.”