I recently had the opportunity to speak to seventh grade students at the Forest Park (IL) Middle School. Mr. Kevin Case, the Industrial Arts teacher there, gives his students a chance to hear about careers ranging from concrete to trees or music. What has struck me when I visit the school is that while the students are squirrelly (just like you'd expect 7th graders to be), they are also curious and fun to talk to. They listen, and ask questions . . . sometimes kind of macabre ideas about falling in a concrete mixer, but also questions about jobs and materials . . .  they were definitely listening.

I used the opportunity to discuss a bit about concrete, the mechanics of prestressing (being demonstrated above with a rubber band), and some of the career opportunities our industry offers. I ended with a video demonstration of a "wind canon" that blew through a number of construction materials. When in doubt, blow something up! Worked like a charm.  If you have a chance to get in front of students, use it!  It was quite fun to get inside the heads of kids and think where it all could lead our industry in a few short years when these kids are in the work force.