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Welcome to Engineer-it

Note: This resource is under development (May 2021). It has not yet been launched. Please do not make a link to it from another website.

The Engineer-it resource, for learners of all ages, provides information about how to 'engineer' successful outcomes particularly in situations of complex uncertanty. 'Engineering' is viewed as an overarching strategy widely used beyond engineering.

The resource was established in 2021 by the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES).

While Engineer-it relates closely to STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) it is not confined to these subject areas.

Engineer-it is uses the MediaWiki software platform but it is not 'wiki' i.e. there are limited editing rights. However, it is a 'live' resource that is expected to be continually extended and modified.

For more information about Engineer-it see About

Structure of the resource

The resource is divided into 'chapters'.

There is no fixed process for 'engineering' a problem but there is a range of strategies that are adopted by people to achieve success in situations of complex uncertainty. For example, those who seek to address the complex problems of the modern world - sustainability, inequality, energy, climate change, waste, etc. - must use these strategies where they are appropriate. All who have, or aspire to have, a responsible role in society should discipline their minds to use them.

The Strategies Chapter outlines a conceptual framework that can be used in a wide range of situations, not only in engineering. The other chapters give instances of the use of the framework in specific contexts.

Approaches to learning

When learning,to use methods, some people like tostart with examples and work from there to theory and basic principles. Others like to do it the other way around.  A main principle behind Engineer-it is that information is provided that can satisfy both of these strategies.

Instances                                                       Conceptual information

Other chapters                                                          Strategies chapter

Applications   Examples  Explanations  Theory  Basic principles

The table above shows a spectrum of types of document from full applications on the left to mainly conceptual information on the right.