WHEELING — The concepts of science, technology and how local resources are used by local companies to manufacture innovative products used internationally were presented to middle schoolers in Wheeling on Friday.

The Explore the New Manufacturing group hosted a regional “Explore Academy” for middle school students in Marshall and Ohio counties at West Virginia Northern Community College in Wheeling on Friday.

Explore the New Manufacturing has a goal of keeping young West Virginians in the state by introducing them to careers in science and technology that already exist in West Virginia.

The WVNCC event had the goal of introducing local students “to career opportunities that help West Virginia manufacturers deliver their products to the world.” Invited to participate were seventh and eighth grade students from Bridge Street Middle School in Ohio County, and Sherrard Middle School in Marshall County.

The students from Sherrard were divided into an all-boys group, and an all-girls group.

“The girls have more questions,” said Natasha Smith, a scientist and chemist with Consol Innovations. “But the boys did ask some very good questions.”

Consol Innovations is now the owner of the locally-produced C-Foam products composed of carbon from coal waste. Smith talked about its composition to the students, and how it can be used as a heat deflector and has future possibilities in the housing industry.

“Many students have relatives in the coal industry, or have grown up around it and know what coal is,” Sherrard teacher Bricie Brannan said “They might just never think of it being used in quite this way.”

Employees with Consol Innovations and East Coast Metal Systems provided presentations during the event.

Students participated in three 30-minute labs where they got to learn about manufacturing processes used locally. Various facets of manufacturing, such as operations, environmental health and safety, quality control, research and development, and other aspects were explored.

WVNCC then provided all students with a tour of the school’s facilities to highlight available training and educational options.The day finishes with a 20-minute challenge to see which group of students can work effectively as a team to solve the test.

“Today’s middle school students will be tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce in West Virginia,” said executive director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing Program’s efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the training opportunities for these positions in their local areas.

“We are excited to once again be working with Bridge Street and Sherrard Middle Schools and our manufacturing partners. The Explore team is looking forward to meeting the students and introducing them to employees from CONSOL Innovations and East Coast Metal Systems.”

Smith said she hopes the event inspires youths to know what is happening in the science world around them.

“And I hope some think to go into science careers, too,” she said.