Thanks to Megan Patberg for chaperoning and for writing this summary of the iNEST Club's fall field trip to the Society of Women Engineer's Invent-It, Built-It Expo in Philadelphia:
“The difference between engineers and scientists is that engineers make real what scientists dream of.” Constance Thompson of the National Society of Black Engineers enthused parents and educators of the significance. Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy was provided an opportunity as part of its grant partnership with NC State's College of Education to participate in the Society of Women Engineering’s Invent it Build it Expo. This annual event was held on October 28, 2016 in Philadelphia. Students were selected based on their iNEST club attendance and points gained in the club's 3D GameLab learning environment. iNEST is a weekly maker club that completes STEM challenges. The Expo in Philadelphia led students into focused middle or high school tracks. Students were divided into groups and mixed with students from across the country. Teachers and chaperones were directed to their own session that focused on the significance of engineering in young women’s lives. The middle school students and high school students were provided various design challenges. For example, students designed a house made out of clay and sticks, that was earthquake proof. Additionally, others created a hand that could be used for the disabled to reach items. Middle schoolers were also provided an opportunity to meet and talk with various types of women engineers from across the country. High school students had an opportunity to create a vehicle made of water bottles and participated in a women engineer panel. The teachers and parents attended a separate session. They had to create a “manlander” for their two marshmallow astronauts with only a handful of household materials provided. The purpose of the design was to simulate two astronauts landing on the moon. It provided a different outlook for parents, especially those who have never been exposed to this type of engineering challenge. Students took advantage of the opportunity to do some sightseeing at the Liberty Bell, the Constitution Center, and Independence Hall. They also got a taste of the local cuisine at the Reading Terminal Market and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. The students left the conference excited for the potential opportunities available to them in their future. To be able to see firsthand how women are bringing engineering and designs to life provided the role model and example to WYWLA that anything is possible with your creative mind. The excitement came back with the WYWLA students and made more students want to go next year! Comments are closed.
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Purpose:Dr. Oliver's weekly update of activities in the iNEST Maker Club. Archives
April 2019
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