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.
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They're the future of engineering and science.
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“I want to go into physical science," says 11-year-old Barbara Birrittella.
And they're in Menomonie for a reason.
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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."
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A concept that these budding scientists are used to hearing:
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12-year-old Emily Bjerkevek says “one of my science teachers said it was really fun and he wanted girls to be scientists."
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The future seventh graders spend a week not just learning to spread their wings, but building them from scratch.
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Puck says “the airplane is the main focus. All the activities revolve around manufacturing and the manufacture of the airplane."
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After a week in the plastics lab, the foundry and the production room, the girls will head outside and see their work take flight.
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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.”
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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.
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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.