On Tuesday, April 4, ten students from Mrs. Locher’s Principles of Engineering class visited Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Northbrook, Illinois.

The students toured the facilities and participated in hands-on testing demonstrations in various departments such as electrical engineering, organic chemistry, infrared waves, and plastic testing. They also enjoyed a question-and-answer session with two female engineers at UL. One of the engineers was a Regina Dominican alumna, Stephanie Lane. Mrs. Houston also joined the class on the trip.

In the electrical engineering department, students learned about fuses and volts, but more specifically students answered the question: how many volts could a small fuse hold? For example, students learned that if there was a high voltage that the fuse couldn’t sustain, then the fuse would have a higher chance of exploding. Of course, UL’s job is to make sure products meet the industry standards of quality. But students experienced the fun parts of the job and got to test the explosive materials.

In the organic chemistry department, students learned about infrared wave testing that goes on in a lab. Students observed a liquid testing along with the waves in the air. An organic chemist pointed out that the graph on the screen corresponded with the waves in the air, and when the weather changes, and the wind gets rough, the graph precisely detects the molecules moving in the air. Students learned that the graph, on the screen, is a tool that scientists use to clarify their research and therefore make solid conclusions.

In the plastic testing departament, students learned about the process plastic must go through in order for it to pass the industry standards for quality. For instance, students observed rubber go into a vertical conveyer belt, so that it stretches to a certain point that satisfies the industry standard of quality for the product (rubber). Similarly, there was a graph that clearly showed the relationship between the different rubbers.

Finally, students listened to a presentation given by two female engineers at UL about how they got their start in engineering and why they decided to work at Underwriters Labatory. Overall, this field trip was very interesting. It took junior and senior students out of their comfort zones to learn new things as they may move into finding a possible STEAM job in their future.