HOUGHTON -- Engineers work in a variety of fields, but all are united by the common goal of solving problems with their designs.
The Western U.P. Center for Science Math and Environmental Education held a family engineering event Monday night to teach kids that anyone can be an engineer and also have some fun.
The elementary age students worked with their parents to brainstorm different uses for common objects. The kids also got to learn about simple mechanisms and put that knowledge to use creating critters with movable parts.
"They're learning that engineering is a fun, creative occupation. They're also learning the basic elements of the design process and that engineers solve problems to make life better," said the organizer.
The family nights are partially funded by the National Science Foundation and are being used as part of a teaching guidebook being published in spring.
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