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Construction Science Expo showcases skilled trades to Lansing students

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 11:36 GMT by WILX-TV
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Construction Science Expo Showcases Skilled Trades for Lansing Students
By Staff Reporter – Wilx.com

On Saturday, September 28, 2025, the heart of Lansing’s educational and industrial community buzzed with the energy of a new kind of science fair: the Construction Science Expo. The event, hosted at the sprawling campus of Lansing High School, was a showcase for high‑school students who have taken a keen interest in the science behind building and construction. It was a celebration of STEM, technology, and the skilled trades—an intersection that has historically been under‑represented in conventional science fairs.

A Vision for the Future of Construction

The idea for the Expo was born from the Michigan Construction Science Initiative (MCSI), a statewide program that partners with the Michigan Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and local industry to incorporate real‑world construction science into K‑12 curricula. According to MCSI’s website, the initiative “aims to inspire the next generation of construction professionals by providing students with hands‑on, interdisciplinary projects that blend physics, chemistry, environmental science, and engineering.”

The Lansing Expo was the first of its kind in the region, and it drew more than 150 students from five different high schools, a handful of local trade‑school students from the nearby Lansing Vocational‑Technical Institute (LVTI), and a panel of industry professionals representing companies such as Lansing Construction Group, Midwest Structural Solutions, and GreenBuild Technologies.

The Expo’s Format

Students were grouped into teams of three to five and tasked with building a functional prototype that demonstrated an aspect of construction science. Projects ranged from designing a “smart” drainage system that adjusts flow rates based on rainfall intensity to constructing a modular wall using recycled materials that could be tested for load-bearing capacity. Each team’s work was judged by a panel that included the Lansing High School principal, the superintendent of Lansing City Schools, a professor from the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering, and a senior engineer from the Lansing Department of Public Works.

In addition to the competition, the Expo hosted a series of informational booths. Students could sample “brick‑making” kits, explore interactive displays on energy‑efficient building materials, and meet with recruiters from local construction firms who were on hand to discuss apprenticeship opportunities.

Highlights & Key Moments

A Student’s Journey

One of the standout projects was presented by a group of five Lansing High School seniors who built a small, 10‑foot‑high wind‑turbine prototype that could power a low‑voltage LED panel. “We were fascinated by how much physics goes into something as mundane as a wind turbine,” explained team leader Maya Rodriguez, 17. “This Expo helped us realize that we can actually bring that fascination to a real‑world setting.”

Rodriguez’s team won the “Innovation in Renewable Energy” award, and the win has already sparked interest in a new after‑school club focused on sustainable building practices.

Industry Insight

During the “Industry Insights” panel, LVTI’s director of program development, Mr. Alan Chen, emphasized the value of early exposure to trade skills. “We’ve seen a consistent increase in enrollment in our construction technology courses over the last three years,” Chen said. “Events like the Expo help demystify the field for students and give them tangible goals.”

A representative from Lansing Construction Group shared insights about emerging technologies in the industry, such as 3D‑printed concrete and laser‑cut prefabrication. The representative also highlighted the firm’s apprenticeship program, noting that “students who graduate from this program come in with a blend of technical skill and a passion for continuous learning.”

Community & Education Partners

The Expo was made possible through a partnership between the Lansing City Schools, LVTI, and the Michigan Department of Labor, with sponsorships from local businesses including Baker’s Hardware and Lansing Green Energy Inc. In addition, the university’s Sustainable Building Research Center provided a mobile lab that showcased cutting‑edge research on green building materials.

Superintendent Karen Patel called the event a “milestone in our commitment to workforce development.” She added that the success of the Expo could be a blueprint for other districts across Michigan.

Going Beyond the Expo

The MCSI website notes that the Lansing Expo is part of a broader campaign to bring construction science into mainstream education. The initiative’s “Road to Apprenticeship” program, which links high‑school students to apprenticeship pathways at a minimum of 25 local employers, is slated to roll out early next year.

Students at the Expo were also given a brief overview of the Construction Science Certificate Program, a two‑year program offered through LVTI that blends classroom instruction with hands‑on projects. Upon completion, students receive a nationally recognized certificate that is highly regarded by employers.

Student Voices

“It’s amazing to see people from different schools working together,” said 16‑year‑old junior Luis Hernandez, who participated in a project that examined the thermal performance of insulated walls. “When you build something that can be tested and measured, you can see the science in real life.”

Another student, 15‑year‑old sophomore Sarah Kline, expressed gratitude for the Expo’s opportunity to “talk to professionals in the field.” She noted that prior to the Expo, many students felt that the construction industry was “behind the scenes” and unapproachable.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settled, the organizers already began planning the 2026 Expo. One of the key changes announced is the introduction of a “virtual reality” track that will allow students to design and simulate complex building projects. Additionally, there will be a stronger focus on STEM‑inclusion, with targeted outreach to under‑represented groups in the skilled trades.

In the words of Lansing High School principal, Dr. Emily Thompson, “Our hope is that the Construction Science Expo will ignite a lifelong interest in building and design—an industry that’s as much about creativity as it is about equations. The future of construction is bright, and we want our students to be at the forefront.”

Final Thoughts

The Lansing Construction Science Expo was more than a competition; it was a living, breathing demonstration of how science, technology, and skilled labor can come together to shape tomorrow’s built environment. By inviting students, educators, industry professionals, and community members to collaborate, the Expo exemplified the potential of experiential learning to bridge gaps between academia and the workforce. As Michigan and the rest of the United States face a growing need for skilled construction professionals, initiatives like the MCSI and events like this Expo could well become the standard‑bearers for workforce development across the nation.