Auburn’s Grand Engineering Challenges combines fun and learning for K-6th grade students

Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosted more than 220 K-6^th grade students Tuesday, Oct. 14, as part of its Grand Engineering Challenges event.

The event, held in the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall, is organized by the college’s Office of Recruitment, Outreach and Scholarships, and it draws hundreds of students to campus each year.

During the event, students learned how Auburn engineers are solving many real-world challenges. Auburn faculty, staff and students across all departments and disciplines participated in the event by hosting hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations and STEM-related games.

“This is a great event each year because it allows us to stay connected with members of our Future Auburn Engineers Club while also introducing Auburn University and engineering concepts to many others,” said Clayton Ann Short, manager of engineering K-12 outreach. “To see the kids’ faces light up, while they’re also learning, it’s as good as it gets.”

Students were also encouraged to come dressed for the fun in their Halloween costumes.

“I want to thank every single student, professor and employee who made last night possible,” said one parent in a post-event survey. “My 6-year-old boy talked all the way home about nuclear power. It also sparked an interest in engineering in my 5-year-old girl. They both had a blast, and I am so thankful to the Auburn community for welcoming us to campus for such a fun and educational event.”