STEM Field Trip at CaterpillarSTEM Field Trip at Caterpillar

Simmons Middle School girls who participate in IMSA, Robotic Club, and Math Club had the opportunity to attend a STEM field trip at the Caterpillar facility in Aurora on November 7th and 8th. Because women are not represented well in engineering careers, these students got to spend the day immersed in STEM activities which simulate jobs done by real engineers. The Activities they participated in, included testing catapults, building spaghetti towers, and building toy cars. The girls also got to participated in a question and answer session with woman engineers. These ladies talked to the girls about different areas in engineering and the jobs that they do.

We were particularly impressed with the amount of connection that the girls had with the lady engineers. They all walked away more informed regarding jobs and careers that they may be well-suited for because of their interests and academic success in mathematics and science. Engineering is intriguing for the freedom, problem-solving, and use of all academic core subjects…the travel opportunities sound exciting, too!