Middle and high school students explored all that engineering and technology has to offer at the EngTech Expo Wednesday.

Interactive displays were set up by various groups for students to learn more about what is available as a part of National Engineering and Technology Week.

Displays included an electric car, snowboards and a flight simulator.

"We got a lot of positive attention from middle school students," said senior Lee Raymond from Columbia Falls, Mont. "It's a good idea to spread awareness and get them excited in pursuing a major they might be interested in. We enjoyed answering questions and telling people what we know."

The idea for an engineering day came from local schools as a way to serve the community. This was the first year that the Engineering and Technology Student Council organized an event like this.

"It was cool to see it happen," said Darrel Zeltner, a junior from Vista, Calif., who helped to plan the event. "Next year we hope to make it bigger and more mobile. We want to educate students about engineering and technology because not too many middle and high school students know how cool it actually is."

This year students from approximately 10 middle and high schools attended, with more students coming independently.

Zeltner, who is majoring in mechanical engineering, said an hour into the event he already considered the day a success.

"It was really cool to see kids really asking questions about what was going on," Zeltner said. "I was hearing kids who were saying that they really want to do this."

Engineering and technology students at the fair think that the experience will help younger students considering going into engineering.

"If I had found out in high school that engineers were making snowboards I would have found it really interesting," said Sam Newell, a sophomore from Boise, Idaho, majoring in mechanical engineering. "There's a lot of opportunity to explore clubs and opportunities that they will have at BYU."

Some students thought this was a good opportunity to see past typical stereotypes of engineers.

"Engineers can take skills and apply it to simple skills to help people," said Whitney Lee, a junior from Arcadia, Calif., majoring in mechanical engineering. "You don't have to be a super genius to do those things. There is a need for more people to be involved in things like this."

Most of those involved in the fair wanted to share their passion for their projects.

"People think of engineering as something that is hard, but it isn't all that hard when you put your mind to something," said Benjamin Richards, a mechanical engineering junior from Kalispell, Mont. "It's a great way to help a lot of people."

Copyright Brigham Young University 19 Feb 2009