XTO Energy demonstrates support for future female engineers
XTO Energy welcomed 30 Butler Intermediate High School girls to their Marshall Township, Allegheny County, office on May 30 to learn about the exciting possibilities in a career in engineering.
The girls enjoyed two hands-on experiments during the event, which was titled “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day,” according to XTO Energy.
XTO employees worked with the girls on engineering activities designed to showcase the unique and real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEAM).
“Marble Roller Coaster” challenged the students to build a roller coaster that could keep a marble rolling for as long as possible using only file folders and tape.
For the “Leaning Tower of Pasta” experiment, the girls built a tower stretching as high as possible from pasta, marshmallows and Styrofoam.
At the end of the experiments, the girls participated in a competition to test their creations.
“This program is really about cultivating interest in STEM careers at a crucial age when these girls begin to think about and choose coursework that can prepare them for those jobs, which not only provide a higher income but are also crucial to maintaining a thriving economy,” said Meredith Eckman, Appalachia operations engineer at XTO Energy.
“I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Butler Intermediate High School girls on these engineering activities, which they absolutely excelled at.”
