Brief Description of the Program:
The program involved visits by pairs of engineers to area 6th to 8th grade classes, where they conduct "hands-on" experiments (developed by members of the section) with the students. The engineers talk briefly about their own on-the job experiences, and pass around sample material from their work. The experiments, which run about 45 minutes, emphasize the problem-solving aspects of engineering, and encourage students to look for more than one solution. The newest experiment, developed this year, involved learning to mix a "wet" and "dry" formulation of concrete, and using a hydraulic jack to compare breaking strength. Students also got to evaluate the effectiveness of adding a plasticizer to the mix, brainstormed other potential problems and additives, and tested a "floating" concrete that floats on water.

The section has developed its own experiments to emphasize problem solving rather than straight science.

Estimated cost:
Approximately $200 per year, for training and materials. An additional $1,500, which was donated by local companies, was spent in 1998 to develop a new experiment.

Brief summary of how funds were raised:
Most funding is covered by section member dues. Companies donate equipment for start-up of the new experiment, as well as safety gear for the children, and some difficult to obtain materials.

Number of people involved in the project:
Approximately 40 section members volunteer each year. Also, five industry experts and local business owners helped the section develop the new experiment.

Amount of time involved in planning and running the project:
Planning for the 1998 program began in May, 1997. Approximately 10 hours per year is spent in training volunteers and coordinating visits. About 60 hours were spent developing the new experiment.

Contact:
Megan McHenry, at 517/496-8297 or send e-mail to mtmchenr@dcrn.e-mail.com. Note that the section has five other experiments covering concepts such as filtration, environmental clean-up, and scale-up in contexts that are fun for the kids. Copies of all experimental write-ups are available upon request.