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Sixty Triad (St. Jacob) Middle School students visited the Southern Illinois University School of Engineering last week.

Jenna Gorlewicz, assistant professor in mechanical and industrial engineering, introduced the group to the Intelligent Mechatronic, Haptic and Robotic Systems (IMeHRS) lab. They were able to test demonstrations of various research projects involving medical and educational robotic systems. Gorlewicz also provided an insightful presentation about mechanical engineering to excite them about the field.

“Engaging and reaching out to local students to excite them about the engineering field is a fantastic experience for both faculty and graduate students,” Gorlewicz said. “As educators and researchers, we have the opportunity to remember why we’re doing the things we’re doing, and the chance to inspire future engineers. We hope to see many of them come through SIUE’s engineering program in the future!”

The group was comprised of 30 sixth graders, 15 seventh graders and 15 eighth graders. They all participate in an after-school program called Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA).

“Students are invited to join IMSA based on test scores, grades, student essays and teacher recommendations,” said Angela Richter, who teaches math, science and social studies at Triad. “We meet once a week for two hours and complete math activities and science experiments using inquiry and problem based learning.”

The students gave positive feedback on the experience. “I learned that with the progression of mechanical engineering, we could help the blind learn with a tablet device,” said Dani Lee. “I also learned that mechanical engineering is often used in the medical field. The field trip made me realize that mechanical engineering is important in today’s society.”

The “Falcon,” a force-feedback haptic device, particularly fascinated the students. They were able to interact with virtual objects displayed on a computer, but it felt as if they were actually touching the virtual object in real-life.

A sphere of different textures such as honey, ice or a golf ball was displayed on the computer. The students used the “Falcon” to actually feel the sphere and its properties. The honey felt sticky, ice felt slippery and the golf ball was bumpy.

“I liked the ‘Falcon,’ because it was so cool feeling the remote ball,” Ryan Larson said.  “If it was a rough thing on the screen, you can feel it. It was the coolest thing!”

“I thought their work with haptic feedback was very interesting,” Jacob Metcalf said. “It was interesting to see how they are planning to make it so you can feel textures instead of just the glass on touch screens.”

“I love seeing the lab and knowing our future is in the hands of people who love to change the world,” added Katie Chase.

Photos:

Upper Right: SIUE School of Engineering Graduate Assistant Karl Katumu demonstrates for Triad Middle School students (left to right) Sami Bruss, Stephanie Kafer, Sammy Maddox, Rebecca Byrd and Steven Nungesser.

Lower Right: Stephanie Kafer and Zach Tonn experience the “Falcon.”