Engineering Inc. - November/December 2009 - 4

NEWS & NoTES House Honors ACEC for 100 Years of ‘Remarkable Contributions’ Companies (ACEC) and its y a roll-call vote of 420 to 0, the “Whereasofthe American Council of EngineeringCouncil’s 100th anniversary in thousands member firms are celebrating the U.S. House of Representatives 2009; Whereas ACEC is the oldest and largest business association of America’s engineering industry, representing more than 5,000 engineering firms that employ 500,000 professionals, engaged in a wide range of practices that propel our economy and ensure a high quality of life for all people in the United States; Whereas ACEC represents engineers in private practice, who design the infrastructure, energy, and technological projects that ensure our Nation enjoys the highest standard of living in the world and continues to compete successfully in the 21st century economy; Whereas ACEC member firms have been responsible for many of the Nation’s most significant achievements over the past 100 years, including the roads, bridges, subways, airports, buildings, industrial facilities, and water systems that are the most advanced in the world; and Whereas ACEC member firms have also been at the forefront of the environmental movement, cleaning up hazardous waste sites and incorporating sustainable solutions in infrastructure works: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the American Council of Engineering Companies for its 100 years of service. T ” Report: Make Engineering Design Part of K–12 Curriculum report. “A K–12 education that does not include at least some exposure to engineering is a lost opportunity for students and for the nation.” In preparing the report, the committee conducted an indepth analysis of existing K–12 engineering curricula; reviewed scientific literature related to learning engineering concepts and skills; evaluated evidence on the impact of K–12 engineering education initiatives; and collected preliminary information about pre-collegiate engineering education programs in other countries. The committee concluded passed legislation last month “recognizing the remarkable contributions of the American Council of Engineering Companies for its 100 years of service to the engineering industry and the nation.” Lawmakers also took the occasion to individually pay tribute to the Council. “In the fight to rebuild and renew America, the American Council of Engineering Companies is at the forefront,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), a leading advocate of infrastructure investment in Congress. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), who chairs the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, said, “Through the Council’s help, America has some of the best engineering structures in the world that allow us to drink fresh water, travel efficiently and lead an all-around healthier and happier lifestyle.” The resolution reads as follows: he introduction of K–12 engineering education has the potential to improve student achievement in science and mathematics, increase awareness about what engineers do, and boost students’ technological literacy, says a new National Academy of Engineering report. “The problem solving, systems thinking and teamwork aspects of engineering can benefit all students, whether or not they ever pursue an engineering career,” said Linda Katehi, chancellor of the University of California, Davis, and chair of the committee that wrote theENGINEERING INC. that engineering education at the K–12 level should emphasize engineering design and a creative problem-solving process. It also should include relevant concepts in mathemat- ics, science and technology, as well as support the development of skills essential for the 21st century, including systems thinking, collaboration and communication. NovEmbER / DECEmbER 2009
Engineering Inc. - November/December 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Engineering Inc. - November/December 2009
