Part One:

The classroom teacher will present a prepared presentation to the students prior to part two that will serve as an introduction of the topic. The presentation will take approximately 20 minutes of classroom time. Teachers will be sent an introductory package when they register which contains a PowerPoint presentation and other information related to the topic.

Part Two:

This day consists of a full day trip for students in which they will visit the University of Windsor, where they will be involved in a hands-on activity related to paint and coatings. For the activity, students will discuss the different chemical properties of paints and what they would expect to happen if paint thickness is varied or if different application techniques are used. Students will be divided into groups and provided with metal plates, water soluble paint, water and Preval sprayer. They will be asked to spray three panels using different variables (viscosity and number of times sprayed) and record each. The students will then select what they feel is the best sample from their group.

 This will be followed by lunch and then a visit to BASF Canada to visit an automotive paint plant or to the University of Windsor/Daimler Chrysler Automotive Research & Development Centre (ARDC).

Part Three:

An Engineering student, PhD candidate and staff member will visit your classroom and lead a discussion reviewing the results of the activity, the trip to BASF and the role of engineers in the paint industry. 

        Student Responses:

• “I’m glad I got to go on this trip because I now see how engineering is interesting and you don’t have to be in just one area…”
• “It was interesting and I have learned more about engineering and I will consider it as a career…”
• “My ideas of what engineers do have become more broad. I did not know they had so much to do with our everyday life so drastically…”

        Teacher Response:

• “Excellent program. My class really enjoyed the two days spent. Thanks again…”