Think Engineer is a beautifully illustrated children’s book published by IfSE (originally INCOSE UK) to introduce Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 7–11) to the exciting world of engineering. Perfect for young readers, parents, and teachers alike, the book aims to raise awareness of engineering as a creative and rewarding career choice.

Written by Dr. Jon Holt – respected author of ten books on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) – and illustrated by renowned artist Ian Simmons, Think Engineer uses fun rhymes and engaging visuals to make engineering accessible and exciting for young minds.

The story follows two children, one of whom is unsure about her future career options. But just when things seem frustrating, the Engineer in the Hat appears to take them on a roller-coaster ride through the wonders of engineering. -"Engineering, we know, will not leave you snoring!"

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely intentional.

Background

The Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE) is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of systems engineers by actively promoting STEM education.

At the joint meeting of the then INCOSE UK Council and UK Advisory Board in November 2014, discussions focused on STEM outreach and the various methods for engaging the wider public. Among the ideas proposed was the creation of a children’s book that would promote STEM subjects, with a particular focus on engineering.

This concept gave rise to Think Engineer, and exactly one year later, in November 2015, INCOSE UK officially launched the book at its Annual Systems Engineering Conference.

Engineering Content

The book contains a wealth of engineering information that is hidden within the rhymes.

• A number of famous engineers are mentioned who span the course of human history from ancient Greece through to the present day. These pioneering men and women are depicted along with cartoons of famous images of them.
• A number of different types of systems are also identified that have been chosen to capture the interest of children by choosing systems that they know and love, such as: smart phones, tablets, computer games and space ships, to name but a few.
• A list of different engineering disciplines, based on the current UK University UCAS courses, is used as a basis for showing the diversity of engineering.
• The attributes of a good engineer, based on the 2014 Royal Academy report ‘Thinking like an Engineer’ are mentioned.
• An example of the typical engineering life cycle is provided, based on the processes within ISO 15288 that includes: requirements, analysis, design, build, verification, validation, operations and retirement.

Each image in the book has been carefully crafted to be as child-friendly as possible yet have a solid link back to engineering.

Additional Resources

One of the intended uses for the book is to provide a resource for STEM Ambassadors who provide talks to schools and the wider public.

IfSE will also be providing a set of additional resources that will be made available to anyone who buys a copy of the book. Initially, this will be a presentation that allows a STEM Ambassador to read out the book with a set of accompanying slides.

It is envisaged that IfSE will also produce a number of additional resources, such as work sheets, project ideas and suggestions for research reports.

Anyone wishing to use these resources must have the consent of The Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE) in writing and comply with our copyright rules. Our copyright rules include acknowledging the Author, Illustrator and IfSE.

Availability

Think Engineer’ is available to anyone with an interest in Systems Engineering, STEM, or engineering, and can be purchased directly from the IfSE online store.