EVENT: Free, interactive event at The University of Texas at Austin for girls in first through eighth grades to increase their awareness and interest in engineering, science, technology and math through competitions to design gumdrop domes, electronic dance pads, puff mobiles and other fun engineering-related activities.
WHEN: 2-5 p.m., Saturday, February 23.
WHERE: Media may check in at the information tent on the plaza between the CPE and ETC buildings to receive maps for specific program activities. Maps of The University of Texas at Austin appear at www.utexas.edu/maps.
Program registration, required of participating girls, is at http://www.engr.utexas.edu/wep/precollege/girlday.cfm, with registration help available at 512-471-5650.
BACKGROUND: More than 1,000 girls, including at least 500 Girl Scouts, are expected to attend the Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day on campus. Girls can participate in competitions to build the fastest hoop-shaped glider out of straws and paper hoops or to construct the best geodesic dome out of only gumdrops and toothpicks. Engineering students, professors, and representatives from Caterpillar, Chevron, PB and other companies will help girls and their families or teachers learn about engineering principles during these activities, such as the use of trusses and triangles to strengthen buildings. Participants can also “drive” a Caterpillar truck on a simulator with a 42-inch plasma screen, explore the UT Solar Vehicle Team’s Samsung Solorean and test their rocket building skills during the program sponsored by the university’s Women in Engineering Program. A 40-foot trailer full of engineering demonstrations sponsored by the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering also will be available in addition to activities and demonstrations hosted by engineering faculty and students, and company representatives.
