BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— The earlier a student encounters water science, the more likely it is to take root. That idea drives the Alabama Water Institute’s commitment to reaching younger audiences, and it brought AWI to the McWane Science Center for Engineering Day 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama, on Feb. 25. This annual event held during National Engineering Week is dedicated to connecting middle school students with the breadth of what engineering careers can look like.
Built for Discovery
Hosted by Sain Associates and the Society of Women Engineers, Engineering Day 2026 welcomed middle school students from 11 schools across the Birmingham metro area, including Pelham, Homewood, Louis Pizitz, Springville, Restoration Academy, Montevallo, Calera, Chelsea and Trussville. The format was intentionally approachable. Students were divided into two groups that alternated between the vendor area and a main room presentation, with time to explore the booths at their own pace. All students viewed “Dream Big” in the IMAX theater and attended lunch presentations from Smucker’s and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Spinning the Wheel of Water
AWI staffed a vendor table on the third floor of McWane, where education outreach coordinator Marie Wilson and team members led students through the Wheel of Water, an interactive trivia wheel that explores water-related careers and concepts. Wilson used the activity to introduce students to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to highlight that its National Water Center is located on The University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa and showcase that water careers are in unexpected places.
The response from students was immediate. When it was time to transition to the next portion of the day, many were not ready to leave.
“These students may not know that the National Water Center is right here in Alabama, or that water science touches almost every engineering discipline,” Wilson said. “That is exactly the kind of awareness we are trying to build, starting as early as we can.”
Introducing Water Science
Engineering Day is one of several outreach efforts through which AWI’s education team works to meet students where they are, introducing younger audiences to the science, careers and institutions that make up the water science community. Reaching students at the middle school level, before academic paths are set, is central to that mission.
Stay Connected
Interested in upcoming outreach events or bringing the education team to yours? Visit the Alabama Water Institute or contact Marie at mewilson@ua.edu.