Explore the work of science and engineering with these resources from PBS LearningMedia. Through resources profiling careers in engineering and an interactive that investigates three possible career paths in engineering technologies, students can learn about the ways in which scientists and engineers work in many different settings, including colleges and universities, businesses and industries, specific research institutes, and government agencies.
Neil deGrasse Tyson | NOVA | 6-12 |Video
In this video profile from NOVA scienceNOW: “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers,” meet astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who was “called” to study the cosmos at the age of nine. Tyson describes the two events that influenced his decision to become an astrophysicist: first, a live planetarium show, and, two years later, receiving his first telescope. From then on, he was hooked.
Mayim Bialik | NOVA | 6-12 | Video
In this video profile from NOVA scienceNOW: “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers,” meet neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, who discusses her long-held fascination with science. As a teenager, Bialik played the title role on the television series Blossom. She explains how a biology tutor during that time inspired her to fall in love with science and pursue her science interests. While Bialik has since earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience—the science of how you think—she continues to act. Now Bialik plays Amy Farrah Fowler on the television show The Big Bang Theory. The character is considered by some to be a role model to aspiring female scientists.
Career Spotlight: Bioengineer | KQED | 9-13+| Video
Tejal Desai is a bioengineering professor who is investigating new treatments for diabetes. Using nanotechnology, she is developing a tiny capsule that contains pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This capsule would be implanted in a patient’s body and act as an artificial pancreas. In high school, Desai wasn’t sure what career path to pursue. As a freshman, she participated in a National Science Foundation program focused on engaging girls in science where she met a lot of inspirational women, including a biotech engineer. She says the topic appealed to her because “engineering could have direct health applications and help people.”
Electrical Engineer | Think | 7- 13+ | Video
In this career profile video, electrical engineers describe how their cutting-edge research leads to new technologies such as touch screens, smart phone displays, super-fast computers, and even artificial intelligence. Professionals describe what they love about their jobs, and their educational background and career path, as well as a number of career tracks and applications for electrical engineering.