With a “hands-on” philosophy of learning in mind, students at the University of Missouri-Rolla are getting into the Halloween spirit. Eighty students enrolled in Engineering 101 at UMR this semester have designed Halloween crafts and gadgets for a silent auction that will take place from Friday, Oct. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Havener Center on campus.
Teams of four students each were allotted $50 to create something “new or original” with a Halloween theme, according to Dr. Paul Hirtz, one of the course’s teachers and assistant director of the Student Design and Experiential Learning Center.
“Electrical and mechanical engineering concepts were incorporated in the designs,” Hirtz says. “Some of the displays are for the yard; others hang on the wall. Many of them are scary; some are funny.”
The general public is invited to view the displays on the second floor of the Havener Center and place bids. The silent auction ends at 8 p.m. Sunday. Auction winners will be notified. Proceeds will be donated to Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise (GRACE).