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• What is the difference between engineers and engineering technicians and technologists?
• What are some different types of engineering technologies?
• Which position(s) did you find interesting, and why?
• If you would love to have a job that allows you to be outside a lot, which of these positions would best provide that opportunity?
• What type of job would require you to test air and water samples for pollutants, to ensure that the air is safe to breathe and the water safe to drink?

Here are suggested ways to engage students with this interactive activity and with activities related to this topic.

• Doing research projects—individual: Have students do a Web search to hunt for community colleges and universities with programs in engineering technologies. What programs are available in your state or region?
• Doing research projects—individual: Ask students to choose one of the careers in this interactive activity and do further research on it. Have them write a short paper that reviews the education requirements and discusses potential job opportunities. Then have them prepare a presentation that describes what a typical day might be like for someone in that position.
• Doing research projects—groups: Divide the class into pairs or groups of three based on shared interests. Have the students in each team contact someone who works in their field of interest. Students should arrange to speak with the person to find out more about the career and, if possible, make plans to shadow the person at work. You may need to come up with a list of appropriate businesses or organizations for the students to contact. Have students prepare a presentation to share with the rest of the class.
• Doing a Classroom activity: Contact local professional organizations or companies to find one or two possible guest speakers who work in engineering technologies. Before they come and speak to your class, have students prepare questions to ask the speakers.

For more media and information about the topics in these Teaching Tips, see these links:

• To learn more about careers in technology, check out Careers in Information and Security Technologies, Careers in Agricultural and Environmental Technologies, and Careers in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies.
• To learn more about engineering technologies, check out Field Service Engineer, Biomedical Technician Training, Drafting and Graphics Engineering.