College of

Engineering, Architecture and Technology

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, seventy-five fifth-grade students, from Epperly Heights Elementary of Mid-Del Public Schools, along with their principal, two teachers, and three OSU representatives attended a hands-on field experience at Tinker Air Force Base. 

Students were greeted by multiple engineers from the 76th Software Engineering Group (SWEG) as guides. Within the 556 Lab, students enjoyed learning and experiencing processes, simulations, VR simulations, and 3D printing. As part of the rotations, the students also enjoyed a tram tour of Building 9001 lead by Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC) Protocol.

The students stayed engaged throughout the day with different experts.  They asked questions about classwork they would need, why the engineers picked their jobs, how specific displays worked, why would the Air Force want to keep the older machines, and if they could fly the aircrafts.

 

During the tram tour, the young people were fascinated by the size of 9001 as well as the variety of jobs throughout the building. When asked at the end of the experience who would want to return to Tinker for another field experience, they overwhelmingly cheered for another experience.

 

This is part of CEAT's initiative to grow interest in engineering, and retaining these engineering students in the state of Oklahoma.