Engineering literacy for non-engineers K-12: A curriculum connundrum for the engineering profession

It is argued that without enginering or technological literacy in the curriculum a person cannot be said to have experienced a liberal education. It both embraces and is embraced by socio-economic and moral literacies to which attention in the curriculum is equally important. It is further argued that the future well being of the engineering profession will depend on a public which appreciates both the potential and limitations of engineering. The purpose of technological literacy is to provide that understanding within an ethical framework. Such understanding has to go beyond naive comprehension. For this reason the school technology curriculum should extend to Grade 12. The author suggests a systematic framework against which engineers can examine their potential for assistance and collaboration in this newly developing subject