Communications satellites allow radio, television, and telephone transmissions to be sent live anywhere in the world.  The signals, which travel in straight lines, could not bend around the round Earth.  Because satellites are in orbit, the signals can be sent instantaneously into space and then redirected to another satellite or... Read More

Many kinds of engineers were involved in the design, construction, launch, and successful landing of the Mars Rover Curiosity, including aerospace, electrical, mechanical, and materials engineers.

The Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge has the longest central span of any suspension bridge (6,532 ft).  It’s location in earthquake-prone Japan, combined with the severe storms in the Akashi Strait, required complex computer modeling and wind-tunnel testing.  Visit... Read More

Massive transmission lines from Hoover Dam provide power to Nevada, Arizona, and southern California.  Hoover Dam was built to control floods, provide irrigation water, and produce hydroelectric power. The Hoover Dam Bypass was completed in 2012 and replaced the roadway on the dam as... Read More

There are many fun activities in which students can participate that help to explain what engineering is all about.  These can be at one day festivals or events, week long summer camps, competitions or school-based programs  Search the K-12 programs section of this website for more information.

In the late 1700s, yellow fever epidemics — then thought by some to be a water-borne disease — compelled civic leaders to name a Watering Committee (forebear of the Philadelphia Water Department) to assure a constant supply of uncontaminated drinking water.  Go to ... Read More

The creation of the Philadelphia city skyline required many engineering disciplines.  Civil engineers designed the steel or concrete structure that allows the building to stand and provides the clean water and waste water systems.  Mechanical engineers create the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that allow... Read More

The Philadelphia Engineering Foundation awards high school and collegiate scholarships as part of the annual Delaware Valley Engineers Week celebration.  Many regional and national engineering technical and professional societies also award scholarships.  Search "scholarships" for more information.