Standardization News

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School students heard presenations about engineering and standardization and took part in a hands-on project during a National Engineers Week event at ASTM headquarters.

Students from Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Plymouth Meeting, Pa., visted ASTM International headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pa., during National Engineers Week (Feb. 19-25). The purpose of the event on Feb. 24 was to introduce students to the world of standardization and encourage their interest in engineering. ASTM is a longtime sponsor of Engineers Week.

ASTM worked with Jim Muscarella, Plymouth Whitemarsh science department head, and Maria Bellino, science curriculum supervisor,, Colonial School District, to organize the event. Junior and senior level students, currently enrolled in an engineering program at the school, were greeted by James Thomas, president, ASTM International. ASTM member Earl Ruth, Tinius Olsen, Horsham, Pa., then spoke to the students about his career as an engineer and the role he plays on ASTM Committee E28 on Mechanical Testing.

The event continued with a presentation from Elana Green, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, on her activities with the local chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA. The morning concluded with a hands-on project during which the visiting students designed, built and tested a water filter.

Speaking later about the event, Bellino said, "The speakers made a great impression on our students, and I hope they have come to realize there are many layers to the field of engineering."