Participants made and took home small LEGO blocks using a homemade rapid prototyping system based on SLA technology. They manufactured small mirrors and saw how they could be used as one-way glass. The PTS students told participants about some of the research going on at the University of Illinois, including research into making flexible electronic devices using silicon.
Many of the participants said it was the first time they discovered how much of engineering involves creative problem solving. They said they were surprised because they hadn’t thought of engineering as a creative field.
The PTS students enjoyed getting the potential future engineers excited about the field. According to the PTS students, the smiles on the participants’ faces showed that they were fully engaged in the activities, making the experience rewarding for all involved.