PicoBuddy

What Do Engineers Do?

PicoBuddyUpper ElementaryInformational3 min read
Image for What Do Engineers Do?

What Do Engineers Do?

Have you ever wondered who designs bridges, creates new gadgets, or figures out how to make clean water? The answer is engineers! Engineering is a job where people use science, math, and creativity to solve problems and make things better.

Different Types of Engineers

There are many different types of engineers, each with a special focus:

  • Civil Engineers: They design and build roads, bridges, and buildings. Imagine them as the master builders of our cities and towns. For example, they make sure a bridge is strong enough to hold lots of cars and trucks.
  • Mechanical Engineers: They work with machines and engines. They might design a new car engine that uses less gas or a robot that can help in a factory.
  • Electrical Engineers: They work with electricity. They design things like power grids that bring electricity to our homes and schools, and also create the electronics inside our phones and computers.
  • Chemical Engineers: They work with chemicals and materials. They might develop new medicines or find ways to make plastics that are better for the environment.
  • Computer Engineers: These engineers design computer systems and software. They work on everything from the computer you use at school to the video games you play.

The Engineering Design Process

Glossary
Engineering:
Using science and math to solve problems and build things.
gadgets:
Small, useful tools or electronic devices designed to perform specific tasks.
power grids:
Connected networks of power lines and equipment that deliver electricity across communities.
process:
A series of planned actions or steps followed in order to achieve a particular result.
model:
A sample or representation of an object created to test ideas and see how something works.
technologies:
Machines, systems, and devices created by using scientific knowledge to solve problems.

One passage, many ways to practice

Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.

  • Main Idea

    Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.

  • Summarize

    Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.

  • Structure

    Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.

  • Vocabulary

    Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.

  • Writing Prompts

    Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.

Pico points towards the free sign-up options

Ready to use this passage in class?

Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.

Sign up with emailLog in

Preview questions from this passageShow
  1. 1What is engineering?
  2. 2Name three different types of engineers.

Where this passage belongs

You Might Also Like

Image for Golden Petals and Sweet Smiles: Symbols of Remembrance
Upper ElementaryExplanatory Article • Informational
Image for Honoring Memories: The Joyful Tradition of Día de los Muertos
Upper ElementaryExplanatory Article • Informational

About this informational passage for Upper Elementary

“What Do Engineers Do?” is a informational reading passage about Engineering, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (405 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

Is this passage free?

Yes. With a free account, you can read “What Do Engineers Do?” online and download a printable PDF worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.

What reading level is “What Do Engineers Do?”?

It’s written for Upper Elementary — a informational text about Engineering, about a 3-minute read (405 words).

What’s included with this passage?

An illustrated reading passage, a glossary of key terms, comprehension questions with an answer key, and an interactive quiz.

Can I adapt it for my students?

Yes. Remix is included with Pro and Max for adapting it to another grade level or language.