No professional engineer would try to build something without a design, but that’s exactly what students are asked to do at the SAME/U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Engineering & Construction Camp in Colorado Springs., Colo. In one of this camp’s most popular hands-on construction activities, students are given a basic lesson on construction and then told to take their supplies of concrete, steel reinforcements and adjustable forms and start building concrete beams. The task challenges students to use their imagination, as well as their problem solving and teamwork skills. The hands-on experience helps ensure that students see, experience and retain what they learn.

To drive the lesson home, the cured beams are then subjected to weight-bearing tests, and as the beams begin to collapse under the load stress, USAFA instructors and engineers lead a discussion on the behavior and performance of the beams and the importance of proper design.

Throughout the week, students also build sprinkler systems, make their own wastewater filters, and participate in team-building and problem-solving activities. And for detailed information on how things work in the workplace and in the field, students tour the USAFA laboratories and cadet facilities.

Since the SAME/USAFA camp is geared toward students interested in joining a service academy, campers enjoy the same living arrangements and basic camp curriculum that USAFA cadets experience. The camp presents a great opportunity for students interested in attending a service academy to get a first-hand look at life on campus.