ASME Presents "Heroes of Engineering" Exhibit at FIRST® Robotics Competition in New York

NEW YORK, March 9, 2010 – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) will unveil its larger than life comic book exhibit called “Heroes of Engineering,” featuring engineers whose contributions and technological achievements have significantly influenced our world.

This colorful collection of 12 seven-foot banners will be on display during the New York City Regional FIRST^® Robotics Competition to be held March 13-14 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The “Heroes of Engineering” exhibit uses a comic book format to showcase the accomplishments of 12 famous engineers who have made the world a better place by contributing to some of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20^th century. As diverse and interesting as the profession itself, these engineers have inspired awe, expanded horizons and helped to envision new solutions to meet the challenges facing today’s world.

The exhibit is designed to educate students about the importance of the engineering profession to society, as well as provide teachers with the tools and resources needed to incorporate this information into classroom learning experience.

The newly-released Heroes of Engineering: Design Challenges curriculum, created by ASME volunteers, is designed for middle school teachers to inspire and challenge students to become the next generation heroes of engineering. Each hero in the lesson plan has a hands-on design challenge that makes a connection to his/her engineering achievement while making learning interactive and fun.

For its part, ASME is strategically committed to issues related to engineering workforce development, including initiatives in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs.

Aligning with National K-12 Standards for Science and Technological Literacy, ASME has created the Heroes of Engineering: Design Challenges workbook, to equip teachers and parents with engaging and fun challenges, lesson plans and activities that encourage students to use creativity and critical thinking to solve challenges and experience the world of engineering.

“We are excited to educate students about the many engineers who have made a difference in the world through their inventions and accomplishments,” said Amos E. Holt, Ph.D., president of ASME. “By aligning with curriculum requirements, this exhibit and the Heroes of Engineering: Design Challenges workbook give teachers a unique platform to garner students’ interest in pursuing engineering as a career.”

FIRST^® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization that works to inspire young people's interest and participation in engineering, science and technology through innovative programs and fun competitions that motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in technical fields.

Admission to the “Heroes of Engineering” exhibit and the New York City Regional FIRST® Robotics Competition is free and open to the public. The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is located at 655 W 34th St, New York, NY.

About ASME

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information, visit www.asme.org.

###

Media Contact:
Regina Nisita
rnisita@affectstrategies.com
212.398.9680 ext 145

ASME Contact:
Mel Torre
torrem@asme.org
212.591.815