Learn About Engineering Conversations | Easy English Listening for Beginners

Hey everyone, welcome back. I'm Mike. >> And I'm Sarah. Hey Mike, how are you today? >> I'm great Sarah. So today we're talking about something really cool. >> Oh yeah. What is it? >> Engineering. >> Engineering. Wow, that sounds big. >> It is big. But don't worry, we're going to make it super simple and fun. And I promise you, by the end of this episode, you'll understand what engineers actually do. And you'll learn some words you can use every day. Perfect. Because honestly, like I hear the word engineer all the time, but what is an engineer? >> Good question. Okay, so an engineer is a person who designs things, they build things, they solve problems. >> So like they make things. >> Exactly. They make things. They create things. Bridges, buildings, phones, cars, all of that. >> Oh, so engineers are everywhere. >> Yes, engineers are everywhere. You use things made by engineers every single day. >> Really? Like what? >> Like your phone? >> My phone? >> Yes. An engineer designed your phone. The shape, the screen, the buttons, everything. >> Wow. I never thought about that. >> Right. And your car. Engineers designed that, too. >> So, engineers are super important. >> Super important. Without engineers, we wouldn't have most of the things we use. >> Okay. But Mike, there are different types of engineers, right? Oh yes, many types. So many types. >> Can you tell me some? >> Sure. Let's start with civil engineers. >> Civil engineers, what do they do? >> Civil engineers build big things like bridges, like roads, like tunnels. >> Oh, so they work outside a lot. >> Sometimes they design the project first, then they watch the construction. >> Construction? That's when people build something, right? >> Exactly. Construction means building. So civil engineers plan it and then workers build it. Got it. So, bridges, roads, tunnels, what else? >> Buildings. Big buildings. Tall buildings like skyscrapers. >> Skyscrapers. Those super tall buildings in the city. >> Yes, those are amazing. Civil engineers make sure they don't fall down. >> That's a very important job. >> Very important. Imagine if a bridge fell down. >> Oh, no. That would be terrible. >> Exactly. So, civil engineers have to be very careful. Very smart. >> Okay. So that's one type. What's another type? >> Mechanical engineers. >> Mechanical engineers. What do they do? >> They work with machines. >> Machines. Like what? >> Like cars, like airplanes, like robots. >> Robots. Wow. >> Yeah. Mechanical engineers design the parts. The moving parts. >> The moving parts. You mean like wheels? Like engines. >> Yes. Wheels, engines, gears, all the parts that move. So, if I have a problem with my car engine, a mechanical engineer knows how to fix it. >> Well, they know how it works, but usually a mechanic fixes it. >> Oh, what's the difference? >> An engineer designs it. A mechanic repairs it. >> Ah, so the engineer creates it and the mechanic fixes it. >> Exactly. Good way to say it, Sarah. >> Thanks. Okay, so we have civil engineers and mechanical engineers. What else? >> Electrical engineers. >> Electrical. That's about electricity, right? >> Yes. Electrical engineers work with electricity and electronics. >> Electronics like computers. >> Yes. Computers, phones, TVs, radios, all of that. >> So, they understand how electricity works. >> Exactly. They design circuits. >> Circuits. >> Circuits are like paths for electricity. The electricity travels through the circuit. >> Oh, like a road for electricity. >> Perfect. Yes. like a road for electricity. That's a great way to think about it. >> So, inside my phone, there are tiny roads for electricity. >> Yes, very tiny roads, very complicated roads. >> Wow, that's so cool. >> It is. Electrical engineers are amazing. >> Okay, Mike, I have a question. >> Sure. What is it? >> Do you need to be good at math to be an engineer? >> Oh, that's a great question. Yes, you do. >> Really? >> Really? Engineers use math every day. >> What kind of math? >> All kinds. Addition, subtraction, multiplication. >> Oh, those are easy. >> Well, they also use harder math like algebra, like calculus. >> Calculus? I've heard that word. That sounds difficult. >> It is difficult, but engineers study it in university. They practice a lot. >> So, they go to university to learn. >> Yes, most engineers go to university for 4 years, sometimes more. >> Four years? That's a long time. >> It is, but it's worth it. Engineering is a good career. >> A good career? You mean they make good money? >> Usually, yes. Engineers often have good salaries. >> Salaries? That's the money you make at your job, right? >> Exactly. Your salary is your pay, how much money you earn. >> Got it. So, engineers study hard, but then they get good jobs. >> That's right. >> Okay, Mike. Let me ask you something else. >> Go ahead. >> What about software engineers? Are they the same? >> Oh, good question. Software engineers are a bit different. different how >> they don't build physical things. They build programs. They build apps. >> Apps like on my phone. >> Yes. Every app on your phone was made by a software engineer. >> So they write code. >> Exactly. They write code. Code is like instructions for the computer. >> Instructions for the computer. So they tell the computer what to do. >> Yes, that's a perfect way to say it. They tell the computer what to do. >> That sounds fun. >> It is. Many people love software engineering. Do software engineers also go to university? >> Many do, but some learn by themselves. They practice at home. >> Really? They can learn by themselves? >> Yes, there are many online courses, many free resources. >> Free resources? You mean like websites, like videos? >> Exactly. You can learn coding on YouTube, for example. >> Wow, that's amazing. >> It is. Technology is changing everything. So, Mike, tell me, what do engineers actually do every day? Like at work? >> Good question. It depends on the type of engineer. >> Okay, let's say a civil engineer. What does a civil engineer do every day? >> They might design a new bridge. They use computer programs. >> Computer programs. >> Yes. Special programs for drawing and designing. >> So, they sit at a computer >> sometimes. And sometimes they visit the construction site. >> Construction site. That's where they build things, right? >> Exactly. They go there to check the work, to make sure everything is correct. >> So, they don't just sit in an office all day. >> No, they go outside. They talk to workers. They solve problems. >> That sounds interesting. >> It is. Every day is different. >> What about a mechanical engineer? >> A mechanical engineer might test a new car part or design a new engine. >> So, they work with real objects, real things. >> Yes, they work with prototypes. >> Prototypes. A prototype is like the first version, the test version. Oh, so they make the first one and then they test it. >> Exactly. They test it to see if it works, if it's safe. >> And if it doesn't work, >> they fix it. They redesign it. They try again. >> So, they have to be patient. >> Very patient. Engineering takes time. >> Mike, I'm curious. Can anyone become an engineer? >> Well, it's not easy, but yes, if you study hard. >> So, you need to be really smart. You need to be willing to learn. You need to like solving problems. >> Solving problems. That's important, right? >> Super important. Engineering is all about problems. Finding solutions. >> Solutions. That means answers, right? >> Exactly. Solutions are answers. If there's a problem, you find a solution. >> So, engineers are like problem solvers. >> Yes. That's exactly what they are. Problem solvers. >> I like that. >> Me, too. >> Okay, Mike, let's talk about something fun. Sure. What do you want to talk about? >> Famous engineers. Do you know any famous engineers? >> Oh, yes. There are many. Let's see. Do you know Nicola Tesla? >> Nicola Tesla? I think I've heard that name. >> He was an electrical engineer. A genius. >> A genius? That means super smart. Right. >> Exactly. Tesla invented many things. He worked with electricity. >> What did he invent? >> He invented the AC motor. AC means alternating current. Alternating current. That sounds complicated. >> It is, but basically it's a type of electricity. The electricity in your house is AC. >> Really? In my house? >> Yes. Tesla's work helps power your home. >> Wow, that's amazing. >> It is. Tesla was incredible. >> Who else? Any other famous engineers? >> How about Steve Waznjak? >> Steve Waznjak? Who's that? >> He co-founded Apple with Steve Jobs. >> Oh, Apple. I know Apple, >> right? Well, Waznjak was the engineer. He built the first Apple computers. >> Really? He built them himself. >> Yes. In a garage. Can you believe it? >> In a garage. That's crazy. >> I know. And now Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world. >> So, he started small and became huge. >> Exactly. That's the power of engineering. >> That's so inspiring. >> It is. It shows that anyone can do great things. Mike, let me ask you something personal. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Did you ever want to be an engineer? >> You know what? When I was a kid, yes. >> Really? >> Yeah. I loved building things. I had these toy blocks. >> Toy blocks like Lego. >> Exactly. Like Lego. I would build houses, cars, spaceships. >> That's so cute. >> Thanks. I thought I would be a civil engineer, build bridges and buildings. >> So, what happened? Why didn't you? >> Well, I wasn't great at math. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah, I tried, but it was really hard for me. >> So, you gave up? >> I changed my path, but I still respect engineers so much. >> I understand. Math can be difficult. >> It can, but if you love it, you can do it. >> That's true. What about you, Sarah? Did you ever think about engineering? >> Honestly, no. >> No. >> No. I always liked art, drawing, painting, music. >> Oh, so you're creative. >> I try to be, but you know what's interesting? >> What? >> Engineers are creative, too. >> That's so true. I never thought about it that way. >> Right. They create new things. They imagine solutions. >> Exactly. Engineering is art and science together. >> Art and science. I love that. >> Me, too. It's the perfect combination. >> Mike, let's talk about tools. >> Tools. >> Yeah. What tools do engineers use? >> Oh, great question. Well, it depends on the type of engineer. >> Let's start with civil engineers. >> Okay. Civil engineers use measuring tools like rulers, tape measures. Tape measures. Those long yellow things. >> Exactly. They measure distances, lengths. >> What else? >> They use levels to make sure things are straight. >> Levels. Oh, those bubble things. >> Yes. With the little bubble in the middle. If the bubble is in the center, it's level. >> Oh, I've seen those. My dad has one. >> Nice. They're very useful. >> What about mechanical engineers? What do they use? They use wrenches, screwdrivers, drills. >> So, like regular tools >> kind of, but they also use special machines like lathes. >> Lathes. What's a lathe? >> A lathe is a machine that spins metal. You can shape the metal while it spins. >> Wow, that sounds dangerous. >> It can be. Engineers have to be careful. They wear safety equipment. Safety equipments like helmets. >> Yes, helmets, gloves, safety glasses. >> Safety glasses to protect the eyes. >> Exactly. Safety is very important in engineering. >> What about electrical engineers? What do they use? >> They use computers and special programs. >> Programs for writing code. >> Yes, like Visual Studio or Python or JavaScript. >> Those are strange names. I know, but they're just names of programming languages. >> Programming languages like English, but for computers. >> Perfect. Yes. Like English, but for computers. >> Mike, this is all so interesting. >> I'm glad you think so. >> But tell me, is engineering dangerous? >> Sometimes it can be. >> Really? >> Yeah. Think about it. If you're building a tall building, you're working high up. >> High up? That's scary. It can be. That's why safety is so important. >> What about electrical engineers? Is that dangerous? >> It can be. Electricity is dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. >> So, they have to be trained. >> Very well trained. They learn how to work safely with electricity. >> That makes sense. >> And they follow safety rules always. >> Good. I'm glad they're careful. >> Me, too. >> Mike, let me ask you something. >> Sure. What's the most amazing thing engineers have built? >> Oh, wow. That's a tough question. >> I know. There are so many things. >> Let me think. Maybe the Golden Gate Bridge. >> The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. >> Yes. It's beautiful and incredible. Engineers built it in the 1930s. >> In the 1930s. That's a long time ago. >> It is. And it's still standing. Still strong. That's amazing. What about you? What do you think is amazing? >> H maybe the International Space Station. >> Oh, the ISS. That's a great answer. >> Right. It's in space. People live there. >> I know. Engineers from many countries work together to build it. >> Together. That's so cool. >> It is. Engineering brings people together. >> I love that. >> Me, too. Mike, let's talk about the future. >> The future? >> Yeah. What will engineers build in the future? >> Oh, great question. Well, right now, engineers are working on many exciting things. >> Like what? >> Like electric cars. >> Electric cars. Cars that don't use gas. >> Exactly. They use batteries. They're better for the environment. >> The environment? You mean the earth? Nature? >> Yes. Electric cars don't pollute the air. >> That's wonderful. >> It is. Tesla makes electric cars. Other companies, too. >> What else are engineers working on? >> Renewable energy. >> Renewable energy. What's that? >> Energy from the sun, from the wind, from water. >> Oh, so not from oil or gas. >> Exactly. Renewable means it doesn't run out. >> The sun doesn't run out. >> Right. So, solar panels use energy from the sun. >> Solar panels? I've seen those on roofs. >> Yes, engineers design better solar panels every year. >> That's so important for our planet. >> Very important. >> What about robots? Are engineers making more robots? >> Oh, yes. Robots are huge right now. >> Really? >> Really? Robots are helping in hospitals, in factories, even at home. at home. Like what? >> Like robot vacuums. They clean your floor automatically. >> Oh, I've seen those. They're so funny. >> They are. And they're getting smarter. >> Smarter? How? >> They use artificial intelligence. AI. >> AI? I hear that word everywhere. >> It's very popular. AI helps machines learn and think. >> Wow. So, robots can learn. >> Kind of. They can recognize patterns and improve. >> That's incredible. >> It is. Engineers are making amazing things. >> Mike, do you think kids should learn about engineering? >> Absolutely. >> Why? >> Because it teaches you how to think, how to solve problems. >> Problem solving again. >> Yes. It's such an important skill. >> Even if you don't become an engineer, >> even if you don't, problem solving helps you in life, in any job. That's true. >> Plus, it's fun. Building things is fun. >> I agree. I used to love building sand castles. >> See, that's engineering. Small scale, but still engineering. >> Huh. I never thought about it that way. >> Everything's connected. >> Mike, we should probably start wrapping up. >> Oh, you're right. Time flies. >> It does. This was such a fun conversation. >> I had a great time. >> Me, too. So, let's recap quickly. Good idea. So everyone, today we talked about engineering. >> We learned that engineers design and build things. >> There are many types of engineers. Civil, mechanical, electrical, software. >> They all do different things, but they all solve problems. >> Exactly. They use math, science, and creativity. >> And they make the world better. >> They really do. From bridges to phones to robots, >> engineers are amazing. >> So, if you're interested in engineering, go learn more. Watch videos, read books, try building something. >> And remember, everyone can learn. You just need to practice. >> That's right. Keep practicing your English, keep asking questions, keep being curious. >> And if you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe. >> Yes, subscribe to our podcast. It really helps us. >> And leave a comment. Tell us what you want to hear next. >> We love hearing from you. >> All right, everyone. Thank you so much for listening. >> Thank you. Keep practicing your English >> and keep being awesome. >> See you next time. >> Bye, everyone. Bye.