Science Vs Engineering

[Ardhyie]

Has anyone ever had DC who are mathematically and scientifically gifted but struggle to implement it in the practical side in their DT classes?

As in someone who loves maths and physics but struggles doing DT/electronics?

Hope I'm explaining myself well.

Lots of students are better suited to the theory side. What is your concern/ question?

Yes I have one who loves maths, physics, science and is quite inventive but for the time being doesn’t appreciate the attention to detail for DT. So he didn’t take DT at GCSE.

He, at present, wants to do Engineering (of some sort physics based) at university, but just concentrating on GCSEs this summer, maths and 2 sciences A levels and will take it from there.

What do you need to know OP?

Moreso career wise if my DC wants to apply their science knowledge to the real world, how much would it be a disadvantage if they find the practical side of things hard

There are engineers that build things, and engineers that design things/solve issues. (Very simplistic explanation).

Lots of the theoretical ones are useless at the building side... DH and I both have engineering degrees. The limit to my practical expertise is putting together flat pack... but I can build a great computer model.

Could you be more specific? I’m not sure where you child would fit in the “real world” spectrum. Would say simulations be ok? Do they need the build stuff with their hands 100%of the time? Is lab work ok? Do they like bio sciences or physical sciences?

Honestly OP, if they like maths and science then let them follow study those, youngsters change so much year by year, support their subject choices, relax, don’t stress about their future career, that’s for them to navigate in the end. There will be plenty of different jobs in science and maths.

There are lots of science jobs that don't involve hands on practical stuff. Much of it is computer based, from coding to designing bits of jet engines or working out how to make new medicines. All done from a computer.

Manual dexterity is different to spatial awareness. I could trip over three times in a row and there isn't a door frame I haven't banged into, but my spatial awareness (rather than proprioception) is great, which makes applied sciences and problemsolving a strength.

Mechanical/ electrical / structural engineering design requires no manual skills other than technical drawing and that's all CAD based these days.

DC was never good at drawing/art, especially doing it by hand

My DB has made a very good career from a degree in theoretical physics.

Technical drawing is very different to art based drawing and most of it is done on computer now.