Posted on Aug. 7: Girls experience worlds of engineering and science

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/allgirls.jpg” caption=”Two enthusiastic campers”]

When it comes to computers, engineering,
and sciences, girls are often outnumbered by boys. This week, the Venture Engineering
and Science summer day camps, run by the Faculty of Engineering, are giving female campers aged 9 to 14 special opportunities to
experience the worlds of engineering and science.

All girls week, which runs from Aug. 5 to Aug. 8, fosters girls' confidence
with computers, engineering and science in a supportive team environment. As
a finale for the week, these lucky campers will learn about being a scientist
from one of their mentors, Lisa Crossley, assistant professor, chemical engineering.

“Our mandate is to introduce all children to the exciting world of engineering,
science, and technology in a fun and innovative environment,” explains
Krista Adlington, co-director of Venture. “Girls are traditionally under-represented
in these fields and we want to show them how much fun engineering, science and
technology can be.”

Part of showing this excitement is to have a women scientist visit Venture to share
her experiences with the girls. Crossley will speak to the campers Friday, Aug. 8, 2003
from 11 a.m.  12 noon in the John Hodgins Building, Room 264.

During the all-girls week, participants
will see how much fun engineering, science and technology can be by participating
in a variety of hands-on activities. The girls will learn about electronics
while making their own lollypop spinner, design their own t-shirt logo, and
participate in an engineering junkyard challenge.

Every year, Venture
reaches thousands of children, parents and teachers through summer day camps,
school workshops, and community events in the Hamilton area. The program also
offers co-ed camps for students in grades 4 to 11.