The biggest discovery she made in a day exploring the field of engineering is the crucial importance of communication, says Lily Wu.

A grade 11 student of enriched physics at Vincent Massey Secondary School, she joined about 120 classmates at the Centre for Engineering Innovation on Friday, May 10. It was the fourth year for the event, which emphasizes hands-on activities to educate the youths about the profession.

Wu said her favourite challenge was to build an 80-cm bridge out of craft sticks and tape—and then provide instructions for a separate group to recreate the design, sight unseen.

“If you forget to say one thing, it can make all the difference,” Wu said as she looked over the results side-by-side.

Her schoolmate Ola Johnston said she plans to attend the University of Windsor when she finished high school, and was very impressed with its facilities.

“I thought it would be cool to see some of the campus,” she said. “I’m not sure I will be studying engineering, but this makes me think about it. It’s an awesome building!”