Several ISU engineering student groups will give local residents a taste of possible endeavors in science and engineering at the sixth-annual Engineering Day at North Grand Mall on Saturday.

In addition to a shopping trip, patrons can talk to representatives from 11 student clubs and see demonstrations of what they do. Some of the clubs scheduled to appear include Team PrISUM with its solar car and the ISU Cyclone Power Pullers.

Bonnie Johnson, marketing manager for North Grand Mall, said she thinks Iowa State is able to help demonstrate to the local high school students how large the need is for scientists and engineers, and how fun it can be.ÿ

“ISU really has a strong engineering department, and that makes them ideal to help kids explore their options in that field,” she said.

Alicia Weum, vice president of administration for the Engineering Student Council and sophomore in materials engineering, was responsible for finding student organizations that wanted to participate.

“We want to get kids interested in science and engineering,” she said.

Johnson said she enjoys planning this event because as the years progress, the format of the event stays the same, but new student leaders are chosen, which makes each year’s planning process more dynamic.

“This is my first year with this event, and we’ve spent the last month and a half planning for it,” Weum said. “It’s been an interesting experience.”

The mall loves to host this event, Johnson said, because they realize that some students in Ames don’t have much of an idea as to what being an engineer involves. She said this is a great sampling of what awaits them if they choose to study engineering at Iowa State.

“It’s a great chance for kids here to explore the world of technology, see how it can be fun and it’s a good preview of careers you can get from ISU,” Johnson said. “Plus, it’s a great way for families to get out of the cold and snow.”

Engineering Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge.