Mineral Point Science Club learns about plastics technology at UWP
PLATTEVILLE- Thirty-three Mineral Point High School Science Club students dove into hands-on learning as part of a free workshop at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Center for Plastics Processing Technology on Oct. 24.
"It was great to see such a large group of bright high school science students in our lab. I was impressed with the level of interest and knowledge of the subject of chemistry and their appreciation for physics and math. The activities that Mrs. Schaefer selected out of the 35 available educational modules emphasized her class discussion with a shout of reality and application. We are looking forward to eight more schools attending our workshops during this academic year," said Majid Tabrizi, director of the Center for Plastics Processing Technology.
Created in an effort to spark student interest in technical fields, the workshops are available to any middle or high schools on Fridays. UWP faculty and trained students lead students through each activity. Each workshop can be catered to complement the school's current curriculum. Transportation and food are provided free of cost by the Society of Plastics Engineers-Milwaukee.
"Science and technology is becoming increasingly important. So many jobs that used to only require a high school degree, now require more technical skills. A lot of issues in society also have science and technology sources, like renewable energy," said Patricia Schaefer, chemistry and physics teacher at Mineral Point High School and advisor of the Science Club.
Mineral Point students learned about the chemistry of plastics, different plastic materials, applications of those materials and how different plastic materials and parts are made. They then applied their new knowledge in hands-on activities. Students learned about and operated an injection molder and sheet fed thermoformer and made a car, bird, frame, boat or man, which they got to take home. They also made latex and assembled models of plastic molecules.
"We're seeing more of campus than we usually do being in the lab. We don't learn about plastics specifically at our school. It's interesting to experience more science related things here," said Brianna Bennett, a senior at Mineral Point High School.
Students not only learned about plastics and the plastics industry, but also about college by discussing various aspects of college life with UWP industrial studies students. "We've been here before for competitions. It's really nice, it's bigger than you realize. It was cool being here on a school day because you got to see all the people walking to classes," said Bennett.
Commented Schaefer, "I'm very impressed by the science on campus. This is a nice opportunity for our students to see campus and know the different options for them after high school."
Anyone wanting more information or to register for one of the Friday workshops may contact Tabrizi at (608) 342-1115 or tabrizi@uwplatt.edu.
Contact: Majid Tabrizi, director, Center for Plastics Processing Technology, (608) 342-1115, tabrizi@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu