Third Annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Set for Feb. 21

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its third annual  “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the SIUE School of Engineering Building

Girls from grades 5-8 are invited to attend the daylong event that offers exposure to the engineering field. Participants will complete a total of five activities, covering the fields of civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial and computer science engineering.

This year’s theme is “Seeing the World as an Engineer.” Attendees will build different iconic international engineering feats such as The Pyramids, London Bridge and Times Square. Small groups will use teamwork to design and create their projects.

“Some activities will be stand-alone, but some activities may require them to use a previous creation to help complete the new one,” said Sofia Chkautovich, a senior civil engineering major and SWE youth outreach chair. “As always, the girls will be encouraged to first brainstorm, use their peers to design and create, and then discuss what worked or didn't work, and what could be changed to obtain a different outcome.”

Again this year, professional women engineers and SIUE students will be on site providing support and guidance to program participants. Following the completion of each activity, the professional engineers and the SIUE engineering students will offer analysis and ask the participants probing questions about the project.

During the event, the creative problem solving aspects of engineering will be discussed and explored. The participants will work collaboratively on projects, be encouraged to ask questions and use their imagination.

The program will be led by volunteers through SWE. The group is anticipating more than the approximately 150 girls who participated in last year’s event.

There is a $15 registration fee, which includes all activities, lunch and a T-shirt for each girl. Those interested can register at https://sites.google.com/site/swesiue/igeday.

Registration is limited to the first 250 participants. For more information, contact the SIUE SWE at 618-650-1068, swesiue@gmail.com or by visiting www.facebook.com/swesiue.

The SIUE School of Engineering offers one of the most comprehensive and affordable engineering programs in the St. Louis region with eight undergraduate degrees, five master’s degrees and a cooperative doctoral program, all housed in a state-of-the-art facility. Students learn from expert faculty, perform cutting-edge research, and participate in intercollegiate design competitions. Companies in the metropolitan St. Louis area provide students challenging internships and co-op opportunities, which often turn into permanent employment. All undergraduate programs are accredited by their respective accreditation agencies.

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