For many students, the connection between what they learn in the classroom and the careers they might pursue in the future can feel distant. At the Lancaster Science Factory, that connection came to life as sixth grade students from Lincoln Middle School spent a day exploring the world of manufacturing through hands-on learning and conversations with professionals working in the field.
About 180 students participated in the Manufacturing Career Exploration Day on March 9, an interactive half-day program designed to help students see how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to real careers in our region. Hosted by the Lancaster Science Factory and sponsored by the Arconic Foundation, the event introduced students to the many ways innovation, problem solving, and design shape the products and systems we rely on every day.
Throughout the morning, students rotated through a series of activities that turned complex concepts into engaging experiences. Hands-on STEM challenges, demonstrations, and tabletop activities gave students a chance to experiment with ideas related to engineering, robotics, and manufacturing processes.
One of the most memorable stations featured Baxter, a collaborative robot brought by MANTEC. Students watched as the robot performed simple tasks and even handed out lollipops while learning about how robotics is used in modern manufacturing.
Shannon Taggart, Career Concierge at MANTEC, said the goal was to help students understand that robotics and coding are already part of many industries.
“Today we’re teaching students about robotics in manufacturing by bringing out our robot Baxter and showing how robots can perform simple tasks,” Taggart said. “I hope students walk away knowing that robots are used in manufacturing and that they could one day be part of building and programming that technology.”
Taggart emphasized that exposure to hands-on experiences can make a lasting difference for students.
“I think it’s important for students to get any source of hands-on activity they can so they can see how things are done in the real world and talk with people outside of school,” she said.
Another highlight of the day came from Arconic, a global leader in aluminum manufacturing and advanced engineered products. At their station, students participated in an activity that demonstrated how aluminum moves through different stages of production before becoming products used in everyday life.
Amanda Dahl, Metallurgy and Quality Systems Manager at Arconic, guided students through a simulation using air-dry clay to represent aluminum as it moved through the manufacturing process. Students learned how raw materials are combined into alloys, rolled into sheets, and prepared for customers.
Dahl, who grew up in Lancaster, said events like this help students realize that exciting careers exist close to home.
“When I was growing up here, I never knew aluminum manufacturing was happening locally,” Dahl said. “I hope students see our process and learn about the many technical steps that go into making things they use every day, like aluminum foil, cars, and appliance panels.”
She also emphasized how early exposure can inspire students to explore STEM fields.
“When students are curious and exposed to experiences like this, it helps them find those connections earlier,” she said. “It can help guide their education and eventually lead them into STEM careers.”
For the Lincoln Middle School students attending the event, the experience helped bring classroom lessons to life.
“This is a career manufacturing day for Lincoln Middle School,” said Mike Regan, a sixth grade math teacher. “Students are learning about different types of manufacturing and production and how it connects to the science and math they study every day.”
Regan said the experience helps students understand that the concepts they learn in school have real-world applications.
“I hope students walk away with hands-on experiences that connect what we learn in class to possible careers they might pursue,” he said.
Events like Manufacturing Career Exploration Day also highlight the important role manufacturing plays in Lancaster County’s economy. More than 37,000 people in the county work in manufacturing, making it one of the region’s largest industries. With an average salary of more than $70,000, many manufacturing careers provide strong wages and opportunities for long-term financial stability.
Many of these careers, including machinists, welders, and industrial machinery mechanics, offer pathways to success that do not always require a traditional four-year college degree.
Creating opportunities for students to explore these pathways reflects the School District of Lancaster’s commitment to helping students connect their learning to real-world opportunities and future careers.
The Lancaster Science Factory plays a vital role in that work by providing hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners.
Programs like Manufacturing Career Exploration Day help students begin to imagine their place in the future workforce. By connecting curiosity with opportunity, experiences like these remind students that the skills they develop today can shape the innovations of tomorrow.
In addition to school programs like Career Exploration Days, families can also connect with the Lancaster Science Factory in several ways.
First Friday Free Nights
Families are invited to visit the Science Factory on the first Friday of every month from 5:00–7:00 PM. The first 300 visitors receive free admission, making it a great opportunity to explore the museum together.
Museums for All
Through the Museums for All program, families who receive SNAP benefits can receive up to four free admissions by showing their SNAP/ACCESS EBT card and a matching photo ID at the front desk
Summer Camps at Lancaster Science Factory
Registration is now open for 2026 Summer Camps, where students can explore topics like engineering, robotics, environmental science, and creative design. Scholarships are available for families with financial need so that every child has the opportunity to participate.
The Lancaster Science Factory is proud to support students and families across the School District of Lancaster by creating hands-on learning experiences that connect curiosity with opportunity in the future.
For the students who spent the day experimenting, asking questions, and exploring new ideas, the future of manufacturing may now feel a little closer than it did before.