As part of its 2014 annual meeting, NCEES partnered with Pacific Science Center to host Engineer It! Weekend for the Seattle community August 22–23. The goal was to connect professional engineers and surveyors with children ages 5–12 and their parents to help them understand the professions and the importance of licensure.

More than 6,000 participants chose from dozens of hands-on activities, shows, and performances listed in their activities passport. Children could design circuits and bridges, concoct scented bath fizz, experience outdoor explosions, and much more. Attendees had their passports stamped when they completed an activity and received a free T-shirt after completing 10 activities.

The children of Seattle and their parents experienced the excitement and innovation of engineering and surveying. Each participant left with an understanding of why licensure is important to the public’s health, safety, and welfare and that engineering and surveying are also about being creative and collaborative.

A parent expressed thanks to NCEES and said, “I had never considered engineering as a career for my children, but this is really cool. They’re having so much fun!”