A Case for Engineering Edutainment in the 21st Century

1 Michael Usrey, University of Colorado, Lockheed-Martin Engineering Management Program, CB 433, Boulder, CO 80309 [email protected] Abstract  The economic future of the United States depends upon our continued leadership in the development of high technology products and services. Development of such products requires a robust engineering workforce. Unfortunately, current economic, market, employment, demographic, and education trends suggest erosion of America's global engineering leadership. A definition of engineering edutainment is developed herein. Reasons why some educators are dismayed by the concept of edutainment are discussed. A call is made for engineering edutainment that spans almost all U.S. demographic groups from cradle to grave. This holistic approach is offered as a critical underpinning for the foundation of the engineering workforce of the next century. It is put forth that the holistic approach is best accomplished through alliances including engineering faculty, K-12 educators, and practitioners from industry. Finally, guidelines to avoid the pitfalls of edutainment are provided.