Aerodynamics, robotics, computers and chemistry...
Those are just a few of the scientific lessons some ambitious middle schoolers are practicing at UW-Stout.
For the tenth year, the "STEPS" summer technology camp for girls is off and running—leaving no future scientist behind.

They're the future of engineering and science.

“I want to go into physical science," says 11-year-old Barbara Birrittella.
And they're in Menomonie for a reason.

Activities Director Brenda Puck says “UW-Stout was looking to expand its Manufacturing Engineering Program. There were no female instructor applicants, so one professor decided to grow his own."

A concept that these budding scientists are used to hearing:

12-year-old Emily Bjerkevek says “one of my science teachers said it was really fun and he wanted girls to be scientists."

The future seventh graders spend a week not just learning to spread their wings, but building them from scratch.

Puck says “the airplane is the main focus. All the activities revolve around manufacturing and the manufacture of the airplane."

After a week in the plastics lab, the foundry and the production room, the girls will head outside and see their work take flight.

Puck says “once the airplane is in the air and at a safe altitude, the young ladies get to take the control and manipulate the controls.”

There are plenty of giggles among the machines. And everyone from student, to teacher seem to agree science camp is a STEP in the right direction.

This is the first of four one week sessions at Stout and classes fill up fast. There's actually a waiting list for this summer. Registration forms for next summer will be available early next year. For more information, just go to the featured links section of our website.