Engineering · 3rd Year · Ethics, Innovation, and Society · 4.º Período

Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering

Highlight the historical contributions of underrepresented groups in engineering and the value of diverse perspectives in design.

TL;DR:Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women, minorities, and underrepresented groups to the field. Students learn about 'hidden figures' whose work was vital to major breakthroughs but who faced significant historical barriers. This topic emphasizes that diverse teams lead to better, more inclusive design outcomes.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• JC History LO 2.4
• JC CSPE LO 1.1

About This Topic

Diversity and Inclusion in Engineering highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women, minorities, and underrepresented groups to the field. Students learn about 'hidden figures' whose work was vital to major breakthroughs but who faced significant historical barriers. This topic emphasizes that diverse teams lead to better, more inclusive design outcomes.

Aligned with NCCA History and CSPE specifications, this unit encourages students to reflect on the culture of STEM. It asks them to identify the barriers that still exist today and how they can be dismantled. This topic is best explored through collaborative research and gallery walks where students celebrate the achievements of diverse engineers and analyze how their unique perspectives improved specific designs.

Key Questions

1. Who are the hidden figures of engineering history?
2. What historical barriers have women and minorities faced in STEM?
3. How does diversity within engineering teams improve design outcomes?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Engineering has always been a field only for men.

What to Teach Instead

Women and minorities have always been involved, though their work was often uncredited or they were barred from formal education. A gallery walk of 'hidden figures' helps correct this historical erasure.

Common Misconception

Diversity in engineering is just about fairness; it doesn't affect the final product.

What to Teach Instead

Diverse teams identify a wider range of user needs and potential flaws. Investigating 'design bias' helps students see that diversity is a technical necessity for creating safe and effective products for everyone.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk

Hidden Figures of Engineering

Students create posters for 'lesser-known' engineers (e.g., Margaret Hamilton, Alice Ball, or local Irish innovators). The class moves around to learn about their contributions and the obstacles they overcame.

40 min·Individual

Inquiry Circle

The Bias in Design

Groups research a product that was originally designed without a diverse team (e.g., early car airbags or voice recognition). They present how this lack of diversity led to a flawed or even dangerous design for certain users.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Breaking the Stereotype

Students discuss in pairs what a 'typical' engineer looks like in the media versus reality. They brainstorm three ways to encourage more diverse students to choose Engineering for the Leaving Cert.

15 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is diversity important in an engineering team?

Diverse teams bring different lived experiences and perspectives, which leads to more creative problem-solving and ensures that products are designed to be safe and functional for all types of people, not just a narrow demographic.

How can active learning help students understand diversity in STEM?

By researching and presenting 'hidden figures,' students take ownership of the narrative. It moves the conversation from abstract 'fairness' to concrete examples of how diverse perspectives have historically saved lives or enabled major breakthroughs like the moon landing.

What NCCA History standards does this topic cover?

It links to LO 2.4, which examines the changing role of women and minorities in society. It provides a specific lens on these changes within the context of science and technology.

What are some barriers women have historically faced in engineering?

Barriers included lack of access to higher education, being barred from professional organizations, lower pay, and cultural stereotypes that labeled engineering as 'unfeminine' work.