CoSci students visit multiple sites during field day trips across state

On Nov. 2, five groups of Texas A&M construction science students took field trips to various destinations around Texas to investigate the latest construction, material production and manufacturing practices.

The students traveled via chartered buses to one of five locations for daylong site tours and presentations about the challenges and rewards of working in the construction industry. Destinations included Acme Brick in Elgin, [Heldenfels Enterprises] (http://www.heldenfels.com) in San Marcos, [Kiewit Mining] (http://www.kiewit.com/projects/mining/walnut-creek-mining-company.aspx) in Bremond, Mass Electric’s Houston [light rail project] (http://masselec.com/portfolio/2532/) and the Nucor Steel Plant in Jewett.

The department sets aside one day each semester for field trips to avoid creating class conflicts with multiple outings.

“It’s a relaxed day with classmates at interesting construction-related sites,” said George Eustace, senior construction science lecturer and industry relations coordinator. “The camaraderie and fellowship make the trips fun for all.”

The department piques student interest by including locations that provide more diversity than a typical construction project, said Eustace. “That’s why the material production and manufacturing sites and plants were included.”

More than 200 students participated, giving the experience a 92 percent approval rating in evaluations.

“It was a good experience to see where materials are manufactured and meet other construction science students,” said one student on an evaluation form. “I enjoyed seeing how what we learn in class is used in the field,” said another.