Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
Who are the hidden figures of engineering history?
Activity 02
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.
What historical barriers have women and minorities faced in STEM?
Activity 03
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.
How does diversity within engineering teams improve design outcomes?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Engineering has always been a field only for men.
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.
Diversity in engineering is just about fairness; it doesn't affect the final product.
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.
Methods used in this brief
Engineering Disasters and Lessons Learned
Review historical engineering failures to understand the critical importance of ethics, accountability, and safety standards.
8 methodologies
The Digital Revolution and Mechatronics
Examine the societal shifts caused by computing, automation, and the rise of mechatronic engineering.
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The Future of Human-Centric Engineering
Discuss how future engineering practices must prioritize human well-being, accessibility, and global social justice.
8 methodologies