Registration for the 2010 program will open tomorrow at 3 pm! All parents must register their child under their county or state where applicable; failure to do so will result in their registration being deleted. The age limit for a child to be enrolled in the program has changed slightly from last year...the child must be between the ages of 9-12 (on Sept. 30th, 2009) to be eligible for the program.
If you have any questions about the eliglibity or registration process please see the website!
The venue sites and exhibits for the upcoming program have all changed! A new teacher component to the program is also launched with this years program!! I'll be updating this information as we count down the days to KTU!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
KTU website launched!
After a lot of hard work, we are launching the 2010 KTU website!! On the site you will find the speakers for next year and information on registration, FAQ's for the parents and much more!
http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu
http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu
Monday, October 5, 2009
Spring 2010 Kids' Tech University
Its official! We will be having another KTU program in the spring of 2010. Hopefully by the end of this week we will be ready to launch the new website. I'll keep everyone informed. Speaker lecture questions, event dates, registration information, and eligibility criteria will all be updated on the new site.
We are changing the program slightly this year! Particularly, the program is now for 9-12 year olds (the child must have turned 9 by Sept. 30, 2009; there are no excepts to this rule). Registration will also change...the details will be explained on the KTU homepage (http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu) later this week. We are also working on being able to accept donations from the general public.
We are changing the program slightly this year! Particularly, the program is now for 9-12 year olds (the child must have turned 9 by Sept. 30, 2009; there are no excepts to this rule). Registration will also change...the details will be explained on the KTU homepage (http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu) later this week. We are also working on being able to accept donations from the general public.
Friday, April 17, 2009
IDDL exhibits at KTU on April 18th!
The Importance of Excellent Communication in STEM Disciplines
Great Speeches
KTU has featured great lectures given by scientists. Scientists are doing research and they need to explain their ideas often. As a part of education in the STEM areas, it is important that scientists develop their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
The Institute for Distance and Distributed Learning (IDDL) provides leadership, management, coordination and support for Virginia Tech’s distance learning courses. Representatives from IDDL will provide an opportunity for participants to review selected Great Speeches and to practice communication skills by presenting excerpts from the Great Speeches using technology.
www. iddl.vt.edu
Great Speeches
KTU has featured great lectures given by scientists. Scientists are doing research and they need to explain their ideas often. As a part of education in the STEM areas, it is important that scientists develop their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
The Institute for Distance and Distributed Learning (IDDL) provides leadership, management, coordination and support for Virginia Tech’s distance learning courses. Representatives from IDDL will provide an opportunity for participants to review selected Great Speeches and to practice communication skills by presenting excerpts from the Great Speeches using technology.
www. iddl.vt.edu
Thursday, April 16, 2009
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- EXTREME PAPER AIRPLANES
Abstract- Participants will be given the opportunity to design and construct a paper airplane to compete in one of several categories being judged.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Participants will be given the opportunity to design and construct a paper airplane to compete in one of several categories being judged.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- MINING FOR CHOCOLATE
Abstract- A project that will expose the participants to concepts and ideas from Mining Engineering, by allowing them to excavate chocolate chips from cookies.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- A project that will expose the participants to concepts and ideas from Mining Engineering, by allowing them to excavate chocolate chips from cookies.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Tau Beta Pi will be exhibiting at the April 18th KTU!
Virginia Tech is home to the Virginia Beta chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society. Our chapter currently has around 100 members from all of the different engineering disciplines. We participate in many service projects, such as Relay for Life, the Big Event, and now Kids' Tech University!
Tau Beta Pi will have two booths during the April 18th, 2009 Kids' Tech University:
1) Stop by there Circuit Board booth to build a circuit board and light up an LED light! By testing different resistors on breadboards, the kids will learn how to build a circuit.
2) Origami Catapults: Make a catapult out of origami paper to demonstrate how pulling the tabs of the catapult with different forces will create different forces to shoot a paper ball.
Tau Beta Pi will have two booths during the April 18th, 2009 Kids' Tech University:
1) Stop by there Circuit Board booth to build a circuit board and light up an LED light! By testing different resistors on breadboards, the kids will learn how to build a circuit.
2) Origami Catapults: Make a catapult out of origami paper to demonstrate how pulling the tabs of the catapult with different forces will create different forces to shoot a paper ball.
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- ACID BASE IDENTIFICATION
Abstract- This activity gives participants the opportunity to learn about acids and bases and allows them to test several samples of common items using litmus paper.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- This activity gives participants the opportunity to learn about acids and bases and allows them to test several samples of common items using litmus paper.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- THE MALLOW BRIDGE
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a bridge out of marshmallows and toothpicks to hold the greatest weight.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a bridge out of marshmallows and toothpicks to hold the greatest weight.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- SPAGHETTI BRIDGE CHALLENGE
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a bridge out of spaghetti noodles that will support the largest weight.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a bridge out of spaghetti noodles that will support the largest weight.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- LEANING TOWER OF PONG
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a tower to hold a ping pong ball off the ground using the given materials and constraints.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must work together to design and construct a tower to hold a ping pong ball off the ground using the given materials and constraints.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Biological Systems Engineering Department will be exhibiting at KTU on April 18!
Title: How Does Groundwater Move?
Overview: Soil consists of many materials such as sand, gravel, and rocks. Each material has specific characteristics that affect how water moves through them. This hands-on display is designed to introduce students to concepts such as permeability, flow rate, and turbidity.
Activities: A model will be available to simulate groundwater flow through some typical geologic settings. Students will be able to observe the interaction between ground and surface waters. Students will also have the opportunity to create and observe the flow of water through three soil materials: sand, pea gravel, and field soil. This hands-on activity will demonstrate the different permeability and water flow rates of each material along with the turbidity created when water flows through each of the materials.
Hosted by the Biological Systems Engineering Department (http://www.bse.vt.edu)
The Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) program provides students with an opportunity to combine their interests in biological sciences and engineering. The BSE at Virginia Tech focuses primarily in two areas: Bioprocess Engineering and Land and Water Resources Engineering. Bioprocess Engineering focuses on the design and development of processes for environmentally responsible manufacturing of food and industrial products from biological materials. Areas of interest include bioenergy, renewable materials, protein recovery, byproduct utilization, bioresidue management and utilization, systems biology, food safety, food engineering, biopharmaceuticals, and enzymes. Land and Water Resources Engineering focuses on environmental protection and natural resources management. Areas of interest include nonpoint source pollution (water pollution caused by rainfall and runoff from land surfaces such as parking lots, golf courses, urban areas, agricultural fields, and construction sites), stream wetland restoration, low impact development, and watershed management.
Overview: Soil consists of many materials such as sand, gravel, and rocks. Each material has specific characteristics that affect how water moves through them. This hands-on display is designed to introduce students to concepts such as permeability, flow rate, and turbidity.
Activities: A model will be available to simulate groundwater flow through some typical geologic settings. Students will be able to observe the interaction between ground and surface waters. Students will also have the opportunity to create and observe the flow of water through three soil materials: sand, pea gravel, and field soil. This hands-on activity will demonstrate the different permeability and water flow rates of each material along with the turbidity created when water flows through each of the materials.
Hosted by the Biological Systems Engineering Department (http://www.bse.vt.edu)
The Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) program provides students with an opportunity to combine their interests in biological sciences and engineering. The BSE at Virginia Tech focuses primarily in two areas: Bioprocess Engineering and Land and Water Resources Engineering. Bioprocess Engineering focuses on the design and development of processes for environmentally responsible manufacturing of food and industrial products from biological materials. Areas of interest include bioenergy, renewable materials, protein recovery, byproduct utilization, bioresidue management and utilization, systems biology, food safety, food engineering, biopharmaceuticals, and enzymes. Land and Water Resources Engineering focuses on environmental protection and natural resources management. Areas of interest include nonpoint source pollution (water pollution caused by rainfall and runoff from land surfaces such as parking lots, golf courses, urban areas, agricultural fields, and construction sites), stream wetland restoration, low impact development, and watershed management.
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- TOWER CONSTRUCTION
Abstract- Engineering design challenge in which teams must work together to build a tower out of provided materials.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering design challenge in which teams must work together to build a tower out of provided materials.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- CREATING THE SPECTRUM
Abstract- Participants will be able to explore some of the basics of Chemical Engineering by experimenting with mixtures of colors to produce a variety of given colors from the spectrum.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Participants will be able to explore some of the basics of Chemical Engineering by experimenting with mixtures of colors to produce a variety of given colors from the spectrum.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- RAFT CHALLENGE
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must design and construct a raft to float the greatest number of pennies.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must design and construct a raft to float the greatest number of pennies.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- FLOAT YOUR MARBLES
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must design and construct a boat with the given materials to float the most marbles.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- Engineering Design Challenge in which teams must design and construct a boat with the given materials to float the most marbles.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Alex Leonessa will be exhibiting for KTU!
Dr. Alex Leonessa will be bringing back the Lego Mindstorm Kits from the "Technology centered" KTU day!! We are giving him a whole classroom to spread out, so there will be plenty to do!!
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- EXTRACTION EXPERIENCE
Abstract- This activity will encourage critical thinking and will allow participants to learn about material properties as they attempt to separate a mixture of materials.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- This activity will encourage critical thinking and will allow participants to learn about material properties as they attempt to separate a mixture of materials.
__________________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
CEED is exhibiting at KTU on April 18, 2009!
Exhibit title- APPLES, BANNANAS, AND LEMONS
Abstract- This activity will give participants the opportunity to learn about electrical circuits and will allow them to experiment with creating a circuit of their own with various materials.
_______________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Abstract- This activity will give participants the opportunity to learn about electrical circuits and will allow them to experiment with creating a circuit of their own with various materials.
_______________________________
CEED
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) at Virginia Tech is dedicated to enriching the engineering profession through increased diversity. Our programs are targeted to current engineering students at Virginia Tech, prospective students, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s pre-college community.
The objectives and goals of the office are:
· to increase the diversity of students who apply to, enroll in, and graduate from the College of Engineering;
· to increase the awareness of engineering and other technical fields as an exciting and rewarding career path to a diverse population;
· to provide access to academic, professional, and personal support programs;
· to provide support to student organizations that support our mission, including the Association for Women in Computing, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Council for the Advancement of Minority Engineering Organizations; and
· to foster collaboration between the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, the University, industry, and the local community to support our mission.
Virginia Tech students are among the best and brightest - our office recognizes this, and through various activities, we assist them in achieving the excellence of which they are capable. Information about the wide range of support services offered can be found online at http://www.eng.vt.edu/ceed. If you have any questions, please contact us via phone (540-231-7404) or email (ceed@vt.edu).
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Department of Geosciences Outreach and the Planetary Geology class is exhibiting on the April 18th KTU!
Exhibitor title- Craters on Mars!
Department of Geosciences outreach and the Planetary Geology class will share information about Mars, the Mars Missions, and how scientists do research from so far away. Hands-on activities include figuring out your age and weight on Mars, measuring craters on an image from Mars, and actually making model impact craters to learn more about them. At home--have you checked out the new GoogleMars website? earth.google.com, then click on the "sun" icon and go to Mars!
Department of Geosciences outreach and the Planetary Geology class will share information about Mars, the Mars Missions, and how scientists do research from so far away. Hands-on activities include figuring out your age and weight on Mars, measuring craters on an image from Mars, and actually making model impact craters to learn more about them. At home--have you checked out the new GoogleMars website? earth.google.com, then click on the "sun" icon and go to Mars!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Dr. Chris Williams is exhibiting at KTU on April 18th!
Exhibit title- How might astronauts make replacement parts for their spacecraft while in space?
Abstract- Our display would be centered on rapid prototyping technology (RP). RP (also known as a 3D Printing) is a technology in which objects are created by “printing” material in a 3D fashion to form objects that have been previously drawn on the computer. The technology is primarily used to help engineers quickly create prototypes of new products that they are designing. Astronauts might one day use this technology to create replacement parts for their spacecraft while on long-term space missions (thus tying into the day’s lecture).
Our display will be centered on a specific small-scale RP technology called a "Fabber." The device that we will have on display is similar to the one shown here. You can see it in action here. Our goal is to educate participants about the concepts of RP through this small-scale device.
While not necessarily a "hands-on" activity, our booth would feature the machine "printing" participants' initials (or the VT logo) from either cheese whiz or cake frosting onto a cracker for their consumption. We will also provide examples of parts made by our large-scale research machines as well as videos of those machines in action.
_________________________________________________
Dr. Williams is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech with a joint appointment in the Mechanical Engineering (www.me.vt.edu) and Engineering Education (www.enge.vt.edu) departments. His joint appointment reflects his diverse research interests which include layered manufacturing, design education, and product design. The construction of the Fab@Home machine has been funded by a grant sponsored by the VT Arts Initiative. Through this project the team is exploring the integration of the Fab@Home system in schools to provide a context for teaching students basic math, science, and engineering principles. To learn more about this project and some of Dr. Williams's other research projects, please visit: http://www.me.vt.edu/dreams/
Abstract- Our display would be centered on rapid prototyping technology (RP). RP (also known as a 3D Printing) is a technology in which objects are created by “printing” material in a 3D fashion to form objects that have been previously drawn on the computer. The technology is primarily used to help engineers quickly create prototypes of new products that they are designing. Astronauts might one day use this technology to create replacement parts for their spacecraft while on long-term space missions (thus tying into the day’s lecture).
Our display will be centered on a specific small-scale RP technology called a "Fabber." The device that we will have on display is similar to the one shown here. You can see it in action here. Our goal is to educate participants about the concepts of RP through this small-scale device.
While not necessarily a "hands-on" activity, our booth would feature the machine "printing" participants' initials (or the VT logo) from either cheese whiz or cake frosting onto a cracker for their consumption. We will also provide examples of parts made by our large-scale research machines as well as videos of those machines in action.
_________________________________________________
Dr. Williams is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech with a joint appointment in the Mechanical Engineering (www.me.vt.edu) and Engineering Education (www.enge.vt.edu) departments. His joint appointment reflects his diverse research interests which include layered manufacturing, design education, and product design. The construction of the Fab@Home machine has been funded by a grant sponsored by the VT Arts Initiative. Through this project the team is exploring the integration of the Fab@Home system in schools to provide a context for teaching students basic math, science, and engineering principles. To learn more about this project and some of Dr. Williams's other research projects, please visit: http://www.me.vt.edu/dreams/
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Chi Delta Alpha volunteers for KTU!
Chi Delta Alpha is the only all-female community service sorority at Virginia Tech. Their mission statement entails that they are "dedicated to the community through unselfish service." They have over 40 active sisters this semester, each doing 25 service hours or more. Chi Delta Alpha participates in over 50 different service projects throughout the community and New River Valley. Service projects include, special olympics bowling and swimming, Kid's Night Out at the women's center, food banks, humane societies, tutoring programs and much more. They even attended a Habitat for Humanity trip this past January, where 24 girls worked for a week on the construction of homes in West Palm Beach Florida.
If you want any more information about them, feel free to check out there website visit: http://www.chideltaalpha.org.vt.edu.
_________________
Chi Delta Alpha Sisters,
On behalf of KTU and the students and parents attending KTU, I would like to say thank you for all you dedicated service! KTU would not exist without volunteers like yourselves.
Thank you,
Kristy
If you want any more information about them, feel free to check out there website visit: http://www.chideltaalpha.org.vt.edu.
_________________
Chi Delta Alpha Sisters,
On behalf of KTU and the students and parents attending KTU, I would like to say thank you for all you dedicated service! KTU would not exist without volunteers like yourselves.
Thank you,
Kristy
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) will be exhibiting on April 18th!
Exhibit Title: Factoring in the Human Element
Abstract:
The students will be able to participate in activities that look at different aspects that must be considered when humans must work with engineering designs. Movements will be captured using a full body suit containing sensors to display the image on a computer. Teams of students will also explain the design of an object so that it can be replicated, highlighting the importance of communication and teamwork. A third activity will involve a task to show the effects of stress on attention and a fourth will look at sounds present in the environment.
The mission of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds. The Virginia Tech HFES student chapter has historically been one of the largest and most active student chapters of the national society. The chapter has a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers from the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE).
Abstract:
The students will be able to participate in activities that look at different aspects that must be considered when humans must work with engineering designs. Movements will be captured using a full body suit containing sensors to display the image on a computer. Teams of students will also explain the design of an object so that it can be replicated, highlighting the importance of communication and teamwork. A third activity will involve a task to show the effects of stress on attention and a fourth will look at sounds present in the environment.
The mission of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds. The Virginia Tech HFES student chapter has historically been one of the largest and most active student chapters of the national society. The chapter has a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers from the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE).
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association will be at KTU on March 28th!
Ham radio isn't just about talking! Come see how you can use amateur radio to learn about and study the Earth and Space Environment. By listening to radio signals, kids will be able to hear directly the effects of space science.
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) was founded in 1913 as an organization to promote and further Amateur Radio on and around the Virginia Tech campus. VTARA now operates a full station from Squires student center on campus, and welcomes anyone interested in amateur radio to stop by and visit. VTARA membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they are a student at Virginia Tech.
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) was founded in 1913 as an organization to promote and further Amateur Radio on and around the Virginia Tech campus. VTARA now operates a full station from Squires student center on campus, and welcomes anyone interested in amateur radio to stop by and visit. VTARA membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they are a student at Virginia Tech.
Microbiology club is coming out to KTU on March 28th!
The Virginia Tech Microbiology club will be hosting microscope viewing of various microorganisms with questions, hand washing, and trivia questions based on our displays at their exhibit.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
blog updates
Hi students and parents of KTU,
You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot of information about the March 28th exhibits on the blog over the last month. This months feature is the "science discipline" and we have 29-30 exhibitors coming out to KTU on March 28th!
You may have noticed that I have been posting a lot of information about the March 28th exhibits on the blog over the last month. This months feature is the "science discipline" and we have 29-30 exhibitors coming out to KTU on March 28th!
School of Visual Arts will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
The VT School of Visual Arts (SOVA) will be coming out to KTU on March 28th and they will be exhibiting the Revo/Over exhibit they had at the Taubenbaum Museum in Roanoke. Here is a link of the creator- Dane Webster (who will be at KTU)- talking about the exhibit-
http://pages.suddenlink.net/dextertech/Always_Uncoupled_web.mov
Dane also suggested that we take a look at an early prototype for an educational game he has been working on. It requires a small plugin to play. The link automatically takes you to the download for that plugin if you don't have it.
http://www.sova.vt.edu/webster/players/JTown_Web8.html
http://pages.suddenlink.net/dextertech/Always_Uncoupled_web.mov
Dane also suggested that we take a look at an early prototype for an educational game he has been working on. It requires a small plugin to play. The link automatically takes you to the download for that plugin if you don't have it.
http://www.sova.vt.edu/webster/players/JTown_Web8.html
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Title of exhibit- Going Green - You Can Make a Difference
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability Group is comprised of VT undergraduates and graduate facilitators focused on raising awareness of sustainable living through actions. We unite in a common interest in environmental, social, and economical sustainability and desire to raise awareness in our local community through participation in outreach programs. It is our goal to share information to those interested in choosing sustainable actions in their daily lives.
Leadership Tech - Environmental Sustainability Group is comprised of VT undergraduates and graduate facilitators focused on raising awareness of sustainable living through actions. We unite in a common interest in environmental, social, and economical sustainability and desire to raise awareness in our local community through participation in outreach programs. It is our goal to share information to those interested in choosing sustainable actions in their daily lives.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Matt Brinckman is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!!!
Exhibitor title- Why Are Trees Green?
abstract- Students will learn first hand the processes of photosynthesis, combustion, respiration, and the greenhouse effect. We will use a terrarium as a biosphere model in concert with a carbon dioxide sensor to measure such processes transpiring in real time. Throughout the activity, we will discuss the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. A discussion of what resources come from forests and how they are renewed will follow. Finally, we explore how all these phenomenon affect our natural resources and visa versa. This will be a hands-on experience not to be missed for all ages. There will also be a limited supply of Loblolly Pine tree seedlings available to interested students.
Presenter- Matt Brinckman who is a M.S. Candidate in the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech
abstract- Students will learn first hand the processes of photosynthesis, combustion, respiration, and the greenhouse effect. We will use a terrarium as a biosphere model in concert with a carbon dioxide sensor to measure such processes transpiring in real time. Throughout the activity, we will discuss the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. A discussion of what resources come from forests and how they are renewed will follow. Finally, we explore how all these phenomenon affect our natural resources and visa versa. This will be a hands-on experience not to be missed for all ages. There will also be a limited supply of Loblolly Pine tree seedlings available to interested students.
Presenter- Matt Brinckman who is a M.S. Candidate in the Department of Forestry at Virginia Tech
Food, Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) will be exhibiting at KTU!!
Exhibitor Title: How farm animals are born
Abstract: This exhibit will feature various demonstrations to illustrate how farm animals are born. Several plastinated reproductive tracts will be provided to show where the fetus develops. A box will be provided that demonstrates what the inside of a reproductive tract feels like. Several ultrasound computer images will also be provided to show what the fetus looks like through ultrasound.
_________________________
The Food Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) is for veterinary students who have an interest in cattle, swine, small ruminant (sheep and goats), camelid, and poultry medicine. The club gets together for various meetings to discuss cases and management issues. We also have various wet labs to help us acquire the skills needed to be food animal practitioners.
Abstract: This exhibit will feature various demonstrations to illustrate how farm animals are born. Several plastinated reproductive tracts will be provided to show where the fetus develops. A box will be provided that demonstrates what the inside of a reproductive tract feels like. Several ultrasound computer images will also be provided to show what the fetus looks like through ultrasound.
_________________________
The Food Animal Practitioners Club (FAPC) is for veterinary students who have an interest in cattle, swine, small ruminant (sheep and goats), camelid, and poultry medicine. The club gets together for various meetings to discuss cases and management issues. We also have various wet labs to help us acquire the skills needed to be food animal practitioners.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dr. Andy Pereira will be exhibiting for KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- The Secrets of mutants
Exhibitor abstract- Mutants are different because they have a mutation or change in their DNA which makes them look different from others of their type. We have made a collection of plant mutants, each having a mutation in a different gene. The mutants you will see have changes in the different plant parts, some of them useful to the plant, while others are not so useful. These mutants look different in many different ways, showing a large diversity of genetic variation. Such genetic variation is found in nature, from which certain plant types are selected that are adapted to different environmental conditions such as drought, cold and high temperature. This natural genetic variation has also been used by humans to select for favorable plant types, which make up our food grains, vegetables and fruits. In this rich genetic variation of mutants lies the secret for selecting and improving plants for human needs.
______________________________
Laboratory of Andy Pereira, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech.
The laboratory studies plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought. The model plants Arabidopsis and rice are analyzed in a systems biology view, to understand common drought response and resistance mechanisms between diverse plant types. Mutants are used to discover plants which are resistant to drought stress and understand the physiological and gene regulatory mechanisms involved. The longer term goals are to be able to develop crop plants which can grow with less water and under drought stress, since fresh water is becoming scarce due to climatic change and human population needs. In addition the laboratory searches new genetic variation for improved bioenergy feedstocks for bioethanol and biodiesel productions. The systematic analysis of gene interaction networks involved in the different biological processes provide a deeper understanding and prediction of gene functions for plant improvement.
Exhibitor abstract- Mutants are different because they have a mutation or change in their DNA which makes them look different from others of their type. We have made a collection of plant mutants, each having a mutation in a different gene. The mutants you will see have changes in the different plant parts, some of them useful to the plant, while others are not so useful. These mutants look different in many different ways, showing a large diversity of genetic variation. Such genetic variation is found in nature, from which certain plant types are selected that are adapted to different environmental conditions such as drought, cold and high temperature. This natural genetic variation has also been used by humans to select for favorable plant types, which make up our food grains, vegetables and fruits. In this rich genetic variation of mutants lies the secret for selecting and improving plants for human needs.
______________________________
Laboratory of Andy Pereira, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Tech.
The laboratory studies plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought. The model plants Arabidopsis and rice are analyzed in a systems biology view, to understand common drought response and resistance mechanisms between diverse plant types. Mutants are used to discover plants which are resistant to drought stress and understand the physiological and gene regulatory mechanisms involved. The longer term goals are to be able to develop crop plants which can grow with less water and under drought stress, since fresh water is becoming scarce due to climatic change and human population needs. In addition the laboratory searches new genetic variation for improved bioenergy feedstocks for bioethanol and biodiesel productions. The systematic analysis of gene interaction networks involved in the different biological processes provide a deeper understanding and prediction of gene functions for plant improvement.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
update on the happenings
Hi!
We are getting ready for another KTU event on March 28th! Volunteers are being oriented, name tags are being made and the clipboards are being assembled!! Its a rush of activity! I've been posting a lot of information about the exhibits that will be available for the kids and parents to see during the KTU afternoon hands-on event. Its really going to be a lot of fun and I have more to post so stay tuned.
We will be moving the lecture hall again to another place on campus. We will be having pizza like we had last time for the kids. For the parents there will be an option for them to purchase 3 pieces of pizza and a soda for 7 dollars or a drink for 2 dollars from Personal Touch Catering (they only take CASH). It seemed like this worked out really well for everyone.
The KTU t-shirts will be available to pick up at the March 28th event! We hope all the kids will want to wear them on April 18th!
Thank you for reading!
Kristy
We are getting ready for another KTU event on March 28th! Volunteers are being oriented, name tags are being made and the clipboards are being assembled!! Its a rush of activity! I've been posting a lot of information about the exhibits that will be available for the kids and parents to see during the KTU afternoon hands-on event. Its really going to be a lot of fun and I have more to post so stay tuned.
We will be moving the lecture hall again to another place on campus. We will be having pizza like we had last time for the kids. For the parents there will be an option for them to purchase 3 pieces of pizza and a soda for 7 dollars or a drink for 2 dollars from Personal Touch Catering (they only take CASH). It seemed like this worked out really well for everyone.
The KTU t-shirts will be available to pick up at the March 28th event! We hope all the kids will want to wear them on April 18th!
Thank you for reading!
Kristy
Giles County 4-H is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- Why does the ballon move at that velocity?
Leader- Mr. Charles Lytton
Abstract- Participants will calculate the propulsion force of a balloon under different cicumstances.
Leader- Mr. Charles Lytton
Abstract- Participants will calculate the propulsion force of a balloon under different cicumstances.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences will be exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Title: From Egg to Chick…What really happens under the shell?
Lead by: Amy Parsons, Extension Project Associate – APSC
Abstract: It takes twenty-one days for a fertile egg to develop into a chick and changes in the embryo’s growth are visible during each day of development. Students will have the opportunity to view into eggs which have been incubated to days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Pictures of development following these days will also be available so that students can see the entire development process.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs. 4-H is the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Young people from ages 5 to 18 engage in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of 4-H agents and trained adult or teen 4-H volunteers. The Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech works in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension to provide and assist with the implementation of hands-on livestock and poultry programs. Extension faculty in our department also oversee youth contests held at the Virginia State Fair and State 4-H and FFA contests. Youth interested in participating in these activities should contact the departmental Extension Specialist in their specified species of interest.
Lead by: Amy Parsons, Extension Project Associate – APSC
Abstract: It takes twenty-one days for a fertile egg to develop into a chick and changes in the embryo’s growth are visible during each day of development. Students will have the opportunity to view into eggs which have been incubated to days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Pictures of development following these days will also be available so that students can see the entire development process.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a product of cooperation among local, state, and federal governments in partnership with tens of thousands of citizens, who, through local Extension Leadership Councils, help design, implement and evaluate Cooperative Extension's needs-driven programs. 4-H is the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Young people from ages 5 to 18 engage in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of 4-H agents and trained adult or teen 4-H volunteers. The Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences at Virginia Tech works in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension to provide and assist with the implementation of hands-on livestock and poultry programs. Extension faculty in our department also oversee youth contests held at the Virginia State Fair and State 4-H and FFA contests. Youth interested in participating in these activities should contact the departmental Extension Specialist in their specified species of interest.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
VT Entomology Department will be at Kids' Tech University on March 28th!
Exhibit title- CREEPY, CRAWLIES OR JUST MISUNDERSTOOD?
Why do insects creep us out so much? Could it be because they have so many legs? Maybe it’s because we don’t fully understand them. There is a common misconception that anything with more than four legs is an insect. Insects only have six legs, three body parts, two antennae, and wear their skeletons on the outside. This means everything else with more than six legs is technically not an insect. There are all kinds of insects: harmless and harmful, beneficial and destructive, abundant and endangered. Did you know insects live in water too? Research within the VT Entomology Department matches the diversity one finds in the insect world. We explore chemical and molecular tools for controlling insects that cause damage in urban environments and agricultural crops along with carriers of diseases harmful to humans and animals. We promote beneficial insects such as pollinators, also predators and parasitoids, which are used to control damaging insect pests or invasive weeds to reduce the use of pesticides. Other research utilizes insects to monitor environmental health of individual streams and watersheds to ecological diversity within terrestrial habitats. The exhibit provides mounted insect displays and hands-on activities.
Why do insects creep us out so much? Could it be because they have so many legs? Maybe it’s because we don’t fully understand them. There is a common misconception that anything with more than four legs is an insect. Insects only have six legs, three body parts, two antennae, and wear their skeletons on the outside. This means everything else with more than six legs is technically not an insect. There are all kinds of insects: harmless and harmful, beneficial and destructive, abundant and endangered. Did you know insects live in water too? Research within the VT Entomology Department matches the diversity one finds in the insect world. We explore chemical and molecular tools for controlling insects that cause damage in urban environments and agricultural crops along with carriers of diseases harmful to humans and animals. We promote beneficial insects such as pollinators, also predators and parasitoids, which are used to control damaging insect pests or invasive weeds to reduce the use of pesticides. Other research utilizes insects to monitor environmental health of individual streams and watersheds to ecological diversity within terrestrial habitats. The exhibit provides mounted insect displays and hands-on activities.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Summer camps
Hi all,
I've been getting a lot of questions about if VT or someone in the area offers summer camps based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. I've been contacting people here at VT to ask them to give me information on their programs so I could post them here on the blog. Another great resource is the VT-STEM website VT-STEM website that can give you an overall feel of the programs (summer and during the school year) that Tech has to offer.
Virginia 4-H has opportunities for children that are interested in SET (Science, Engineering and Technology). All of the 4-H summer residential camps have some SET programming focus. On the individual center web sites many have weekend specialty camps such as a Robotics camp. And as always, the best way to get information is for those who are interested in 4-H to contact their local Extension office. Many local programs also offer day camps and summer fun-shops.
Best,
Kristy
I've been getting a lot of questions about if VT or someone in the area offers summer camps based on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. I've been contacting people here at VT to ask them to give me information on their programs so I could post them here on the blog. Another great resource is the VT-STEM website VT-STEM website that can give you an overall feel of the programs (summer and during the school year) that Tech has to offer.
Virginia 4-H has opportunities for children that are interested in SET (Science, Engineering and Technology). All of the 4-H summer residential camps have some SET programming focus. On the individual center web sites many have weekend specialty camps such as a Robotics camp. And as always, the best way to get information is for those who are interested in 4-H to contact their local Extension office. Many local programs also offer day camps and summer fun-shops.
Best,
Kristy
Montgomery County 4-H is exhibiting at KTU on March 28th!
Exhibitor Title- Why does water hold the water strider?
Lead by- Ms. Michelle Dickerson
Exhibitor Abstract- I will do several activities demonstrating water's adhesive and cohesive properties. The activities are from the Project WET curriculum guide: (1) how many drops of water can you fit on a penny, (2) how fast does the paper boat travel after breaking the water's surface tension, (3) how many paper clips can water support
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Montgomery County 4-H has over 3000 enrolled members. The program provides livestock, horse, home-school, general community, after-school, and teen leadership clubs. It also provides many school enrichment programs, day and residential camps, and other workshops and experiential learning experiences.
Lead by- Ms. Michelle Dickerson
Exhibitor Abstract- I will do several activities demonstrating water's adhesive and cohesive properties. The activities are from the Project WET curriculum guide: (1) how many drops of water can you fit on a penny, (2) how fast does the paper boat travel after breaking the water's surface tension, (3) how many paper clips can water support
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Montgomery County 4-H has over 3000 enrolled members. The program provides livestock, horse, home-school, general community, after-school, and teen leadership clubs. It also provides many school enrichment programs, day and residential camps, and other workshops and experiential learning experiences.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Department of Biological Sciences is exhibiting at Kids' Tech University
Exhibitor Title- Why do corn plants produce toxic chemical?
Abstract- We are basically going to show kids how to extract and detect beta-glucosidase enzyme in corn plants. β-Glucosidase is a major defense enzyme in corn that produces a chemical, which is toxic to insects. Insects like European corn borer causes major damage to corn crop in United States and elsewhere. Briefly, kids will be given a microcentriguge tube containing corn plant tissue in powder form. They will then extract beta-glucosidase enzyme by adding and mixing with 1.0 ml of buffer. After spinning down, the clear supernatant will be used as a source of beta-glucosidase enzyme. In the enzyme assay, kids will mix 100 microliters of supernatant with 100 microliters of colorless substrate in a microtitre plate. After 5 min, they will arrest the reaction by adding 100 microleters of a alkali solution T. As soon as they add solution T they will see a yellow color.
Lead by- Dr. Dave Bevan and Mr. Hyun Young Yu
Abstract- We are basically going to show kids how to extract and detect beta-glucosidase enzyme in corn plants. β-Glucosidase is a major defense enzyme in corn that produces a chemical, which is toxic to insects. Insects like European corn borer causes major damage to corn crop in United States and elsewhere. Briefly, kids will be given a microcentriguge tube containing corn plant tissue in powder form. They will then extract beta-glucosidase enzyme by adding and mixing with 1.0 ml of buffer. After spinning down, the clear supernatant will be used as a source of beta-glucosidase enzyme. In the enzyme assay, kids will mix 100 microliters of supernatant with 100 microliters of colorless substrate in a microtitre plate. After 5 min, they will arrest the reaction by adding 100 microleters of a alkali solution T. As soon as they add solution T they will see a yellow color.
Lead by- Dr. Dave Bevan and Mr. Hyun Young Yu
Robotics and Art Camp
4-H is having a Robotics and Art Camp on April 4-5 at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center for children ages 10 to 13. For more information on the camp click on the pdf below...this is the brochure for the camp.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Inaugural KTU Film Festival!
Dr. Caitlin Kelleher did a wonderful job showing the kids how to use the www.alice.org Story Telling Alice computer programming software on Feb. 28th during her lecture, "Why are computer programs so frustrating?". This software provides a great opportunity to bring children together and cultivate imagination to produce movies! In order to encourage this we are sponsoring the first KTU Film Festival with screenings and awards on April 18th! Currently we are organizing the kids into groups and working on obtaining a panel of judges for the movies.
We can't wait to see what the kids produce!
We can't wait to see what the kids produce!
The Department of Biochemistry will be exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- DNA is the Recipe of Life
Abstract- In this hands-on activity, students will extract DNA from strawberries. DNA is often called the recipe of life as it provides instructions for cells in most living things. DNA can easily be extracted from strawberries which contain 6 copies of their genome. Faculty and Biochemistry students will help with the DNA extraction, and participants can take home the DNA on a stick.
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Dr. Glenda Gillaspy is leading this exhibit. In the Gillaspy lab, we are interested in how plants sense and respond to their environment. Specifically, the lab is focusing on enzymes that can break down the second messenger inositol triphosphate (IP3), which many organisms use to respond to various signals. For example, plants may respond to the presence of light or a change in gravity by initiating the rapid synthesis of IP3 which then triggers the release of intracellular calcium in the cell. To stop this signaling process, IP3 must be made inactive by sequential removal of its three phosphate groups. We have cloned the genes encoding 15 inositol phosphatases from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for our studies. This is a small, cruciferous plant which has a short life cycle, completely sequenced genome, and is amenable to both genetics and genetic transformation. To gain a better understanding of how plants use IP3 in signaling, we have constructed transgenic plants which have altered levels of the inositol phosphatases and IP3 levels. Based on their growth and development, we know that these plants are altered in their signaling responses which could help us design future strategies to combat drought and low nutrient soils.
Abstract- In this hands-on activity, students will extract DNA from strawberries. DNA is often called the recipe of life as it provides instructions for cells in most living things. DNA can easily be extracted from strawberries which contain 6 copies of their genome. Faculty and Biochemistry students will help with the DNA extraction, and participants can take home the DNA on a stick.
________________
Dr. Glenda Gillaspy is leading this exhibit. In the Gillaspy lab, we are interested in how plants sense and respond to their environment. Specifically, the lab is focusing on enzymes that can break down the second messenger inositol triphosphate (IP3), which many organisms use to respond to various signals. For example, plants may respond to the presence of light or a change in gravity by initiating the rapid synthesis of IP3 which then triggers the release of intracellular calcium in the cell. To stop this signaling process, IP3 must be made inactive by sequential removal of its three phosphate groups. We have cloned the genes encoding 15 inositol phosphatases from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana for our studies. This is a small, cruciferous plant which has a short life cycle, completely sequenced genome, and is amenable to both genetics and genetic transformation. To gain a better understanding of how plants use IP3 in signaling, we have constructed transgenic plants which have altered levels of the inositol phosphatases and IP3 levels. Based on their growth and development, we know that these plants are altered in their signaling responses which could help us design future strategies to combat drought and low nutrient soils.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Dr. Young Ju will exhibit at the March 28th KTU hands-on event!
Exhibit title-vitamins
Abstract- A matching game between vitamins and food sources
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Dr. Young Ju, from the VT Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise, will be exhibiting during the hands-on event at Kids' Tech University on March 28th. Her research evaluates the effects of bioactive food components on breast cancer using human breast cancer cells and mice models.
Abstract- A matching game between vitamins and food sources
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Dr. Young Ju, from the VT Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise, will be exhibiting during the hands-on event at Kids' Tech University on March 28th. Her research evaluates the effects of bioactive food components on breast cancer using human breast cancer cells and mice models.
Physics department will be exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibitor title- Why Physics is Fun
Abstract- Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Pressure Demos
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About the Physics program
Our program consists of undergraduate students in physics who have a passion for teaching physics to kids of all ages. They present hands on experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and pressure.
Abstract- Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Pressure Demos
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About the Physics program
Our program consists of undergraduate students in physics who have a passion for teaching physics to kids of all ages. They present hands on experiments in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and pressure.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Department of Dairy Science of VT is exhibiting on March 28th!
Title: Why do cows dine on donuts?
Presenters:
Dr. Christina Petersson-Wolfe, Extension Dairy Scientist, Milking Management and Milk Quality
Mr. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth
Representing:
Department of Dairy Science
Abstract:
The dairy cow is an amazing creature. She produces fresh, wholesome milk that is made into lots of different dairy products. She is a ruminant, meaning that she has a four-compartment stomach. Her four stomach compartments allow her to eat feeds that humans cannot eat like grass and hay. She is also able to make milk from by-product feeds, materials leftover after making other products. For example, whole cottonseeds are left over after removing cotton to make cloth. Whole cottonseed is a great feed for the cow because it is high in fiber, energy, and protein. Bakery waste (bread, pastries, donuts), citrus pulp (orange juice), corn hominy feed (flour) are a few examples of other by-product feeds that cows like to eat. Participants will get to identify and handle many of the feeds that the dairy cow eats.
Presenters:
Dr. Christina Petersson-Wolfe, Extension Dairy Scientist, Milking Management and Milk Quality
Mr. Dave Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth
Representing:
Department of Dairy Science
Abstract:
The dairy cow is an amazing creature. She produces fresh, wholesome milk that is made into lots of different dairy products. She is a ruminant, meaning that she has a four-compartment stomach. Her four stomach compartments allow her to eat feeds that humans cannot eat like grass and hay. She is also able to make milk from by-product feeds, materials leftover after making other products. For example, whole cottonseeds are left over after removing cotton to make cloth. Whole cottonseed is a great feed for the cow because it is high in fiber, energy, and protein. Bakery waste (bread, pastries, donuts), citrus pulp (orange juice), corn hominy feed (flour) are a few examples of other by-product feeds that cows like to eat. Participants will get to identify and handle many of the feeds that the dairy cow eats.
Geoscience Department of VT is exhibiting on March 28th!
Exhibit title
Why do streams get polluted?
Abstract
Using an EnviroScape hands-on model, kids will investigate non- point source (NPS) water pollution. EnviroScape (TM) models are widely used by water quality educators across Virginia, and can be accessed in most communities through local Museums, State Parks, Soil and Water Conservation District Offices, or 4-H agents. Home-made watershed models will also be demonstrated. Participants will be able to explore the sources, results, and ways to reduce NPS impacts on watersheds. Non-point source pollution is the major pollutant now impairing our fresh water resources. Reducing it will take cooperation from everyone, everywhere. It is increasingly important for communities to know about their watershed assets and use best management practices to protect them. Watershed education is now an explicit goal of the Standards of Learning, and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences are recommended for every K-12 student in Virginia! VT works with schools to help facilitate these experiences.
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Check out the websites below to find out more information about the Geoscience department and outreach programs-
Information about the Geosciences Department
Geoscience outreach
Why do streams get polluted?
Abstract
Using an EnviroScape hands-on model, kids will investigate non- point source (NPS) water pollution. EnviroScape (TM) models are widely used by water quality educators across Virginia, and can be accessed in most communities through local Museums, State Parks, Soil and Water Conservation District Offices, or 4-H agents. Home-made watershed models will also be demonstrated. Participants will be able to explore the sources, results, and ways to reduce NPS impacts on watersheds. Non-point source pollution is the major pollutant now impairing our fresh water resources. Reducing it will take cooperation from everyone, everywhere. It is increasingly important for communities to know about their watershed assets and use best management practices to protect them. Watershed education is now an explicit goal of the Standards of Learning, and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences are recommended for every K-12 student in Virginia! VT works with schools to help facilitate these experiences.
_______________________________
Check out the websites below to find out more information about the Geoscience department and outreach programs-
Information about the Geosciences Department
Geoscience outreach
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Virginia 4-H - Exhibits and helping to make KTU a reality
Virginia 4-H is a partner of Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and together they are working to make Kids' Tech University a reality. Virginia 4-H is the youth development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension which is associated to Virginia Tech. The 4-H mission is, "4-H is committed to assisting youth, and those adults working with them, in acquiring the knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society." The central theme of 4-H education is "learn by doing". Multiple hands-on activities in the technology, science and engineering hands-on day events for Kids' Tech University are lead and developed by Virginia 4-H extension agents from all around the state.
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Hahn Horticulture Garden will be at the March 28th KTU!
Exhibitor title-Cool Carnivorous Plants!
Abstract- Can plants eat rats? Some carnivorous plants can, but most eat insects. These carnivores of the plant world use the sneakiest of tricks to
attract, capture, kill, and digest insects or small animals for a nutritious dinner. We'll take a close look at these fascinating plants and their bizarre adaptations. But don't get too close....
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The Hahn Horticulture Garden is nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1984 by Horticulture faculty, the garden serves undergraduate students and the local community as a learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness. Garden features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion.
Abstract- Can plants eat rats? Some carnivorous plants can, but most eat insects. These carnivores of the plant world use the sneakiest of tricks to
attract, capture, kill, and digest insects or small animals for a nutritious dinner. We'll take a close look at these fascinating plants and their bizarre adaptations. But don't get too close....
___________________________________________________________
The Hahn Horticulture Garden is nearly six acres of teaching and display gardens located on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Established in 1984 by Horticulture faculty, the garden serves undergraduate students and the local community as a learning resource for plant material, landscaping concepts, and environmental awareness. Garden features include perennial borders, water gardens, shade gardens, meadow garden, and the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Feb. 28th KTU
The Feb. 28th KTU went extremely well! There were a lot of "ohhhs" and "ahhhs" from the kids during Dr. Kelleher's lecture, "Why are computer programs so frustrating?" The kids seemed to have loved the pizza; it was a huge hit and we are planning on having that option again next time! The Armored Hokie was a huge hit!
We would like to say thank you to the Armored Hokie, Virginia Tech's Ware Lab, Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association, Virginia Tech's Assistive Technologies, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared), Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club, Virginia 4-H Rockbridge and Craig counties, Sigma Alpha, Joon Lee, VT-STEM, Dr. Alex Leonessa, VT Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Dr. Betsy Tretola and Dr. John McGee for hosting exhibits for the kids. Thank you all!
Today, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute released a press release of the Feb. 28th program.
We would like to say thank you to the Armored Hokie, Virginia Tech's Ware Lab, Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association, Virginia Tech's Assistive Technologies, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared), Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club, Virginia 4-H Rockbridge and Craig counties, Sigma Alpha, Joon Lee, VT-STEM, Dr. Alex Leonessa, VT Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Dr. Betsy Tretola and Dr. John McGee for hosting exhibits for the kids. Thank you all!
Dr. Alex Leonessa exhibited at the Feb. 28th KTU
Dr. Alex Leonessa came out to the Feb 28th KTU and brought his Lego Mind Storm kits! It was a huge hit with the children who got to construct different machines using legos and program the lego robots to do various activities. Dr. Leonessa and his team of graduate and undergraduates are from the Virginia Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering.
Monday, March 2, 2009
VT Rescue Squad
VT Rescue Squad
The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is the oldest student run volunteer emergency medical service in the nation. The squad is among a handful of collegiate EMS agencies offering Advanced Life Support transport and is slowly becoming one of the last all volunteer agencies left in collegiate EMS. It has been the model for developing rescue squads at many Universities throughout the United States. In the past thirty years the VTRS has grown from four members certified in first aid to a fully equipped Advanced Life Support Agency with three vehicles and over thirty members. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad are all-volunteer and student-run, and we respond to emergency calls on the Virginia Tech campus 24/7. We also provide standby coverage at large sporting events like football and basketball games, and also other, smaller events (like KTU).
The VT Rescue Squad has provided support for KTU by sending three trained, professional EMTs. These EMTs are at KTU in case there are any issues where a child (or parent) needs emergency medical help...or a band aide! The VT Rescue Squad does not charge for their services and has been nice enough to donate their time to insure that our students are safe.
The Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is the oldest student run volunteer emergency medical service in the nation. The squad is among a handful of collegiate EMS agencies offering Advanced Life Support transport and is slowly becoming one of the last all volunteer agencies left in collegiate EMS. It has been the model for developing rescue squads at many Universities throughout the United States. In the past thirty years the VTRS has grown from four members certified in first aid to a fully equipped Advanced Life Support Agency with three vehicles and over thirty members. Virginia Tech Rescue Squad are all-volunteer and student-run, and we respond to emergency calls on the Virginia Tech campus 24/7. We also provide standby coverage at large sporting events like football and basketball games, and also other, smaller events (like KTU).
The VT Rescue Squad has provided support for KTU by sending three trained, professional EMTs. These EMTs are at KTU in case there are any issues where a child (or parent) needs emergency medical help...or a band aide! The VT Rescue Squad does not charge for their services and has been nice enough to donate their time to insure that our students are safe.
Parents can make donations to the squad on the website http://www.rescue.vt.edu/donations_funding.php
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Jesse Johnson, the Armored Hokie, coming to Kids' Tech University!
Jesse Johnson, an undergraduate VT student majoring in Art, has constructed an Armored Hokie! Its a big site around the VT campus and we are excited to have him come to Kids' Tech University during the exhibitors event on Saturday afternoon! After walking around in the suite Jesse will be showing the kids how he made the suite...
Check out the video on Youtube about how me made the Armored Hokie-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iII0o-8X0ks
This video shows Jesse walking around the campus- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XxU3KhN7YY
Check out the video on Youtube about how me made the Armored Hokie-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iII0o-8X0ks
This video shows Jesse walking around the campus- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XxU3KhN7YY
Design, Build Fly Team will be exhibiting at KTU on Feb. 28th!
The Virginia Tech Design, Build Fly (DBF) Team is an all volunteer multidisiplinary team that must redesign a radio controlled aircraft each year to achieve new missions and rules. The VT chapter of AIAA serves as our parent organization since the competition is sponsored by AIAA. Every year they construct a new radio controlled model aircraft to complete a given set of missions, which are usually posted in late July.
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Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
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Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Ware Lab is exhibiting at KTU on Feb. 28th!
The education of engineering students at Virginia Tech is a dynamic process adapting to meet the demands of the industry. Engineering students participate in basic problem solving and hands-on experiences representing the essence of the engineering profession. New engineering tools, a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of engineers to society and the environment, and an appreciation for the diverse and global nature of the workplace are continually incorporated into the engineering curriculum (Gilbert, 2003).
For incoming freshman in 2006, a Tablet PC computing initiative mandated the purchase of a Tablet rather than the previously required laptop. The initiative is supported by an alliance between Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation offering students higher levels of hardware and software purchasing power and support. A current technology, the Tablet PC incorporates the portability of the laptop with the flexibility of writing. In conventional notebook mode, the Tablet PC offers a keyboard for typing. When the screen is rotated it transforms into a tablet, and using a stylus students can make handwritten notes and drawings.
For incoming freshman in 2006, a Tablet PC computing initiative mandated the purchase of a Tablet rather than the previously required laptop. The initiative is supported by an alliance between Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation offering students higher levels of hardware and software purchasing power and support. A current technology, the Tablet PC incorporates the portability of the laptop with the flexibility of writing. In conventional notebook mode, the Tablet PC offers a keyboard for typing. When the screen is rotated it transforms into a tablet, and using a stylus students can make handwritten notes and drawings.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
KTU T-shirt unveiled!
We are really excited about unveiling the first ever Kids' Tech University (KTU) t-shirt! We will have a pre-order for the shirts on Feb. 28th during the exhibiting hours (1:30-3 pm). A mock up of the t-shirt seen in this blog. The price will be 15 dollars; of which all the proceeds over the cost of the shirt will be going towards the operational costs of running the program such as the children's lunches and their lanyard supplies. The shirt will be available for pick up during the March 28th KTU hands-on activity.
Sigma Alpha will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th
Exhibitor activity- Genetically Modified Organisms; Recombinant DNA Activity
Objective: Visually teach students how DNA from one organism can combine with that from another species to form an enhanced organism using the recombinant DNA Theory.
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Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. Sigma Alpha is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association (PFA), a national organization of professional Greek letter organizations and The Consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations. Both Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Sigma Alpha Alumni Association are affiliates of American Agri-Women. We support Ag in the Classroom as our national service project. Virginia Tech has been home to the Pi Chapter since 1992. We are home to over 60 girls from many different backgrounds united in friendship and agriculture.
Objective: Visually teach students how DNA from one organism can combine with that from another species to form an enhanced organism using the recombinant DNA Theory.
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Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority that promotes scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship among its members. Sigma Alpha is a member of the Professional Fraternity Association (PFA), a national organization of professional Greek letter organizations and The Consortium of Collegiate Agricultural Organizations. Both Sigma Alpha Sorority and the Sigma Alpha Alumni Association are affiliates of American Agri-Women. We support Ag in the Classroom as our national service project. Virginia Tech has been home to the Pi Chapter since 1992. We are home to over 60 girls from many different backgrounds united in friendship and agriculture.
VT Amateur Radio Association will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association will be demonstrating how radios, and radio communication have advanced over time. There will be demonstrations of the most commonly used communication modes, such as morse code and voice, as well as some of the newer, more experimental types of radio communication.
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) was founded in 1913 as an organization to promote and further Amateur Radio on and around the Virginia Tech campus. VTARA now operates a full station from Squires student center on campus, and welcomes anyone interested in amateur radio to stop by and visit. VTARA membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they are a student at Virginia Tech.
The Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Association (VTARA) was founded in 1913 as an organization to promote and further Amateur Radio on and around the Virginia Tech campus. VTARA now operates a full station from Squires student center on campus, and welcomes anyone interested in amateur radio to stop by and visit. VTARA membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they are a student at Virginia Tech.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Assistive Technologies at VT is exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
The Assistive Technologies department is proud to be demonstrating the benefits of assistive technologies (AT) for enhancing, maintaining, or increasing a person’s abilities by using computers for learning, teaching, working, recreation, and maintaining independence. With a focus on tools for people with disabilities, the AT department will explore:
• Using computers and special-purpose video magnifiers for visual magnification, color filtering, and contrast enhancements for people with visual difficulties,
• Assistive reading and literacy tools that use text-to-speech capabilities for people with learning, visual, or print disabilities,
• Voice recognition, touch screen, tablet pc, and/or adaptive input devices to assist people with difficulties in writing due to physical or learning disabilities, and
• Note taking aides and organizational tools for anyone in the classroom.
Besides looking at specialized AT applications, the AT department will be demonstrating existing accessibility options already built-in to computer operating systems and available to everyone.
• Using computers and special-purpose video magnifiers for visual magnification, color filtering, and contrast enhancements for people with visual difficulties,
• Assistive reading and literacy tools that use text-to-speech capabilities for people with learning, visual, or print disabilities,
• Voice recognition, touch screen, tablet pc, and/or adaptive input devices to assist people with difficulties in writing due to physical or learning disabilities, and
• Note taking aides and organizational tools for anyone in the classroom.
Besides looking at specialized AT applications, the AT department will be demonstrating existing accessibility options already built-in to computer operating systems and available to everyone.
Virginia Tech Motorsports, Formula Society of Automotive Engineers will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
Exhibit- VT Motorsports, Formula SAE car
Abstract- The VT Motorsports, Formula SAE mission is to conceive, design, and fabricate a high-performance formula-style racecar to win an annual international competition sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The car will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
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Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Abstract- The VT Motorsports, Formula SAE mission is to conceive, design, and fabricate a high-performance formula-style racecar to win an annual international competition sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The car will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
________________________
Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Baja SAE car Team will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
Exhibit- Baja SAE car
Abstract- Our team's mission is to design and construct a single-seat off-road vehicle to meet the rules set forth by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). After thorough testing of a prototype vehicle, a production vehicle will be fabricated and subsequently entered for international SAE sanctioned competition. This year, Virginia Tech Baja SAE will be participating in the East Regional Competition as well as Winter Baja in Michigan. The car will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team (AUVT)
Abstract- Our team's mission is to design and construct a single-seat off-road vehicle to meet the rules set forth by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). After thorough testing of a prototype vehicle, a production vehicle will be fabricated and subsequently entered for international SAE sanctioned competition. This year, Virginia Tech Baja SAE will be participating in the East Regional Competition as well as Winter Baja in Michigan. The car will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team (AUVT)
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team is exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
Exhibit title- The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Abstract- Every year the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team (AUVT) designs, fabricates and competes a submarine capable of navigating an underwater course without any human input. The vehicle will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
_________________
Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Abstract- Every year the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team (AUVT) designs, fabricates and competes a submarine capable of navigating an underwater course without any human input. The vehicle will be making a debut at the Kids’ Tech University “technology” day! Team members will be answering questions and talking about the team, vehicle and the competition.
_________________
Ware Lab
Virginia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, producing engineers that not only know the theory but have hands-on engineering experience. The Ware Lab is the focal point for hands-on projects in the College of Engineering and is the best place on campus to view many projects developed by our undergraduate students. From autonomous underwater vehicles to radio controlled aircraft, engineering students, at all levels, are encouraged to become part of a design team that expands their view of what an engineer can accomplish before and after graduation. Companies frequently visit the lab and meet with students to discuss potential opportunities for internship, co-op or full time employment. The “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy of the Ware Lab promotes real-life experience with engineering concepts before students step out into the working world.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Carpooling service available
At the last KTU event it was suggested that we should incorporate a way for the parents of the children involved with Kids' Tech University to carpool if desired. We are launching this networking capability on the blog. If you would like your county and email posted as a possible contact please let me (Kristy DiVittorio, kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) know!
So far, these people are interested in carpooling to the event-
Montgomery County, LauraAC@aol.com
Buckingham County, duggan@kinex.net
Danville, bhpmd2004@yahoo.com
I just wanted to draw your attention to this- Although, I can screen for posting people who have asked me to post them on the blog, this blog is open for anyone to view...so when a "parent" emails you about carpooling please be careful... you can contact me if there are any questions...
So far, these people are interested in carpooling to the event-
Montgomery County, LauraAC@aol.com
Buckingham County, duggan@kinex.net
Danville, bhpmd2004@yahoo.com
I just wanted to draw your attention to this- Although, I can screen for posting people who have asked me to post them on the blog, this blog is open for anyone to view...so when a "parent" emails you about carpooling please be careful... you can contact me if there are any questions...
CS Squared student group is exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
Exhibitor Title- "Why does the internet help us explore the world?"
Abstract- The internet has brought us so many advances in recent years that allow us to now do things we never thought possible. We continue to become more closely connected to the rest of the world, and one program that helps us do this is Google Earth. By using Google Earth, you can explore other places around the globe, see sites, and learn exciting information about these places. It also lets you unleash your imagination by building your own 3D structures and putting them on the map. This activity will give you an overview of Google Earth and show you how you can make your own buildings and 3D objects.
Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared for short, http://www.cs2.org.vt.edu/) is a student-run, volunteer organization dedicated to teaching computer skills in the community, often focusing on bridging the ever-widening digital divide.
CS Squared provides a great opportunity for computer science students to use their knowledge obtained in the classroom and from outside work experience to improve their local communities. The organization does everything from building and administering computer labs for youth and technology centers to creating computer clubs in local elementary schools to teach children computer skills. The members are dedicated to the cause of bettering their surrounding, and because of this, CS Squared continues to grow each semester.
Abstract- The internet has brought us so many advances in recent years that allow us to now do things we never thought possible. We continue to become more closely connected to the rest of the world, and one program that helps us do this is Google Earth. By using Google Earth, you can explore other places around the globe, see sites, and learn exciting information about these places. It also lets you unleash your imagination by building your own 3D structures and putting them on the map. This activity will give you an overview of Google Earth and show you how you can make your own buildings and 3D objects.
Computer Science Community Service (CS Squared for short, http://www.cs2.org.vt.edu/) is a student-run, volunteer organization dedicated to teaching computer skills in the community, often focusing on bridging the ever-widening digital divide.
CS Squared provides a great opportunity for computer science students to use their knowledge obtained in the classroom and from outside work experience to improve their local communities. The organization does everything from building and administering computer labs for youth and technology centers to creating computer clubs in local elementary schools to teach children computer skills. The members are dedicated to the cause of bettering their surrounding, and because of this, CS Squared continues to grow each semester.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sally Farrell with Craig County 4H will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th
Exhibit Title: Using RockSim software to design rockets and simulate flights.
Exhibit Abstract: The RockSim computer program is used to design rockets and then simulate its flight. Craig County 4-H uses the software to design rockets to be used in the Team America Rocketry Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to build a rocket that will fly to a height of 750 feet for 45 seconds and carry a hen's egg as payload. The egg must be launched in the rocket and return without being broken in flight.
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Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Info: My name is Sally Farrell and I have been the 4-H Agent in Craig County for 3 years. I provide in-school science SOL programming for all students in grades 4th - 8th grade. Craig County 4-H has a commitment to science and technology and has a Robotics Team and Rocketry Team. Craig County 4-H also has a Teen 4-H Club, 4-H Pet Club, 4-H Shooting Club, and 4-H Horse Club.
Exhibit Abstract: The RockSim computer program is used to design rockets and then simulate its flight. Craig County 4-H uses the software to design rockets to be used in the Team America Rocketry Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to build a rocket that will fly to a height of 750 feet for 45 seconds and carry a hen's egg as payload. The egg must be launched in the rocket and return without being broken in flight.
________________________________________
Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Info: My name is Sally Farrell and I have been the 4-H Agent in Craig County for 3 years. I provide in-school science SOL programming for all students in grades 4th - 8th grade. Craig County 4-H has a commitment to science and technology and has a Robotics Team and Rocketry Team. Craig County 4-H also has a Teen 4-H Club, 4-H Pet Club, 4-H Shooting Club, and 4-H Horse Club.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
VT-STEM will be an exhibitor on Feb. 28th!
Title of exhibit- Why is VT engaged in K-12 education?
Abstract- VT-STEM tabletop exhibit only. Members of VT-STEM will be leading activities at different stations.
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VT-STEM K-12, or Virginia Tech's Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics K-12 Outreach Initiative, is an interdisciplinary group of people and programs that share research and resources among the university community, K-12 education, and other partners to contribute to Virginia's leadership in K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
VT-STEM K-12 programs and opportunities are aimed at diverse K-12 student, teacher, and university audiences, including classroom resources, teacher professional development, outreach consulting, education scholarship and K-12 formal and informal outreach.
Abstract- VT-STEM tabletop exhibit only. Members of VT-STEM will be leading activities at different stations.
__________________
VT-STEM K-12, or Virginia Tech's Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics K-12 Outreach Initiative, is an interdisciplinary group of people and programs that share research and resources among the university community, K-12 education, and other partners to contribute to Virginia's leadership in K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
VT-STEM K-12 programs and opportunities are aimed at diverse K-12 student, teacher, and university audiences, including classroom resources, teacher professional development, outreach consulting, education scholarship and K-12 formal and informal outreach.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Lecture seating in the auditorium...
One of the comments that we had after the last KTU event was that some of the kids who were sat in the back of the auditorium would like to be moved to the front. We do plan on moving the kids around to have them in different seating arrangements at the lecture hall...this way the kids will get to see the lectures from different perspectives...
Joonsuk Lee will be exhibiting on Feb. 28th
Exhibit title- Why should we play computer games alone when it is much more fun to play them with friends?
Abstract- We are planning on introducing distributed multi-player puzzle games that kids can play with their friends. Those games include Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle.
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Joonsuk Lee is a third year Ph.D student in computer science department and a member of POET lab. People in the POET lab carries out various research works under the supervision of Dr. Deborah Tatar in the field of HCI (human computer interaction), CSCW (computer-supported cooperative work) and CSCL (computer-supported cooperative learning).
Abstract- We are planning on introducing distributed multi-player puzzle games that kids can play with their friends. Those games include Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle.
________________________________________
Joonsuk Lee is a third year Ph.D student in computer science department and a member of POET lab. People in the POET lab carries out various research works under the supervision of Dr. Deborah Tatar in the field of HCI (human computer interaction), CSCW (computer-supported cooperative work) and CSCL (computer-supported cooperative learning).
Friday, February 13, 2009
Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club is exhibiting on Feb. 28th!
Exhibit- Showcasing 4-H's Virtual Farm and Virtual Forest
Abstract- Virtual Farm and Virtual Forest are two educational software programs produced by Virginia 4-H. Using the 4-H Virtual Farm software students will discover why farming is part of their life even if they have never lived on a farm, never seen crops grow in a field, or never touched a cow. The 4-H Virtual Forest is an interactive web-based learning experience that introduces the concepts of forest management to young people.
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The Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club is an organization that provides its members with a sense of identity on campus, enriches their lives through group projects and recreation, and develops confidence and leadership skills. Club members provide service and support to local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops. They are also a service and social group for campus students.
The Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club is open to all college students who wish to support youth and Virginia 4-H. It is not necessary to have prior 4-H experience, only to have an interest in the 4-H ideals and in serving your community.
Abstract- Virtual Farm and Virtual Forest are two educational software programs produced by Virginia 4-H. Using the 4-H Virtual Farm software students will discover why farming is part of their life even if they have never lived on a farm, never seen crops grow in a field, or never touched a cow. The 4-H Virtual Forest is an interactive web-based learning experience that introduces the concepts of forest management to young people.
____________________________________
The Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club is an organization that provides its members with a sense of identity on campus, enriches their lives through group projects and recreation, and develops confidence and leadership skills. Club members provide service and support to local and state 4-H programs, such as serving as judges and conducting training workshops. They are also a service and social group for campus students.
The Virginia Tech Collegiate 4-H Club is open to all college students who wish to support youth and Virginia 4-H. It is not necessary to have prior 4-H experience, only to have an interest in the 4-H ideals and in serving your community.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension will have a exhibit on Feb. 28th!
Title of Exhibit- Looking Down is Looking Up: Why do we work with aerial photography?
Abstract- Geospatial tools, which include geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing, provide us an understanding of the earth. In this activity, participants will be able to use GIS to identify changes on the the earth's surface. We will examine aerial photography from two different time periods, and students will explore, estimate, and measure general changes in land use during these two periods.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dr. John McGee represents the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
The Geospatial Extension Program provides GPS, GIS, and remote sensing training to pre-college teachers and higher ed. Faculty. We also support the needs of local governments, state agencies, and federal partners working in Virginia through geospatial workshops, supporting community economic development initiatives, providing data to support community planning efforts, etc. One program that is specific to Virginia 4-H is the Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure. The Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure will be statewide starting in the Spring '09.
Abstract- Geospatial tools, which include geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing, provide us an understanding of the earth. In this activity, participants will be able to use GIS to identify changes on the the earth's surface. We will examine aerial photography from two different time periods, and students will explore, estimate, and measure general changes in land use during these two periods.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dr. John McGee represents the Virginia Department of Forestry and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
The Geospatial Extension Program provides GPS, GIS, and remote sensing training to pre-college teachers and higher ed. Faculty. We also support the needs of local governments, state agencies, and federal partners working in Virginia through geospatial workshops, supporting community economic development initiatives, providing data to support community planning efforts, etc. One program that is specific to Virginia 4-H is the Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure. The Virginia 4-H Geocoin Adventure will be statewide starting in the Spring '09.
Virginia Tech Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Student Chapter- exhibitor for Feb. 28th (and April 18th)
Exhibit Title: Does technology work for everyone?
Users will compare between two computer paint applications (MS Paint and Adobe) and by drawing manually. After drawing, they have to “email” their images to us. The fastest user to do this wins!! At the end, pros and cons of each of these applications will be discussed to understand using the right technology for the right usage.
Users will compare between two computer paint applications (MS Paint and Adobe) and by drawing manually. After drawing, they have to “email” their images to us. The fastest user to do this wins!! At the end, pros and cons of each of these applications will be discussed to understand using the right technology for the right usage.
Virginia Tech Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Student Chapter
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s (HFES) mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s (HFES) mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds.
The Virginia Tech HFES student chapter has historically been one of the largest and most active student chapters of national HFES. The chapter has a diverse group of undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral researchers from the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). As such, they make efforts to tailor our programs and events to represent a variety of research interests within the broad scope of human factors and ergonomics.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Virginia 4-H - Exhibits and helping to make KTU a reality
Virginia 4-H is a partner of Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and together they are working to make Kids' Tech University a reality. Virginia 4-H is the youth development education program of Virginia Cooperative Extension which is associated to Virginia Tech. The 4-H mission is, "4-H is committed to assisting youth, and those adults working with them, in acquiring the knowledge, life skills, and attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, contributing, and productive members of society." The central theme of 4-H education is "learn by doing". Multiple hands-on activities in the technology, science and engineering hands-on day events for Kids' Tech University are lead and developed by Virginia 4-H extension agents from all around the state.
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Virginia 4-H also has a very informative website that explains their mission, goals, history and program. Follow this link to visit the site- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Also, I am volunteering to help anyone interested in Virginia 4-H get the information they need. Please email me (Kristy DiVittorio; kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu) if you would like my help...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's (VTTI) exhibit at Feb. 28th hands-on event
Title: Demonstration of a Vehicle-Based Data Acquisition System.
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's (VTTI) data acquisition system, or DAS, will be demonstrated through interactive activities with users during the Technology Showcase for the Kids' Tech University on February 28, 2009.
A game console like those typically used with racing video games is employed to interactively demonstrate the type of data that is collected in transportation safety research activities. Users will see, first hand, the video and driving performance data that is collected as they operate the game console.
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VTTI, a top-three transportation research center in the United States, employing over 200 faculty, staff and students, focuses on solving major transportation problems through the use of technology to improve transportation safety, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce infrastructure costs. VTTI is dedicated to saving lives, saving time and saving money in the transportation field by developing and using state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and technologies to solve transportation challenges on the nation’s roadways.
The Institute has unique and extensive research facilities that are being actively used to address these problems. One such facility is the Virginia Smart Road, which has been open for testing since the spring of 2000. The Smart Road’s unique features include the largest weather generation facility in North America and a “live” roadway lighting laboratory used to study traction and visibility improvements on our roads.
VTTI conducts test track and on-road studies to develop countermeasure applications that address safety such as driver monitoring, feedback, and training, as well as the development of state-of-the art crash warning systems. VTTI has become a leader in naturalistic, real-world driving research. The Institute has conducted the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, the largest naturalistic driving study of its kind to date; is now poised to garner the largest naturalistic transportation study ever attempted; has conducted naturalistic long-haul truck driving studies, the results of which were used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to change the long-haul drivers’ hours of service regulations; and is conducting various teen driving studies to close the gap in our knowledge of why teens pose a much higher crash risk when compared to other drivers.
VTTI is uniquely qualified and positioned to answer the Commonwealth of Virginia’s call, as well as the nation’s call for safer and more efficient transportation. We have 9 leading research centers within VTTI; 181 years of combined VTTI center directors’ experience in transportation research; a 2.2-mile Smart Road for safe, closed-track test-bed research; over 10,119 hours of logged Smart Road research with over $60 million in awarded research since opening in 2000; over 51,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and garage facilities; and our research has been chronicled in most major national and many international outlets as being the leader in conducting transportation research to save lives.
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's (VTTI) data acquisition system, or DAS, will be demonstrated through interactive activities with users during the Technology Showcase for the Kids' Tech University on February 28, 2009.
A game console like those typically used with racing video games is employed to interactively demonstrate the type of data that is collected in transportation safety research activities. Users will see, first hand, the video and driving performance data that is collected as they operate the game console.
-------------------
VTTI, a top-three transportation research center in the United States, employing over 200 faculty, staff and students, focuses on solving major transportation problems through the use of technology to improve transportation safety, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce infrastructure costs. VTTI is dedicated to saving lives, saving time and saving money in the transportation field by developing and using state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and technologies to solve transportation challenges on the nation’s roadways.
The Institute has unique and extensive research facilities that are being actively used to address these problems. One such facility is the Virginia Smart Road, which has been open for testing since the spring of 2000. The Smart Road’s unique features include the largest weather generation facility in North America and a “live” roadway lighting laboratory used to study traction and visibility improvements on our roads.
VTTI conducts test track and on-road studies to develop countermeasure applications that address safety such as driver monitoring, feedback, and training, as well as the development of state-of-the art crash warning systems. VTTI has become a leader in naturalistic, real-world driving research. The Institute has conducted the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, the largest naturalistic driving study of its kind to date; is now poised to garner the largest naturalistic transportation study ever attempted; has conducted naturalistic long-haul truck driving studies, the results of which were used by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to change the long-haul drivers’ hours of service regulations; and is conducting various teen driving studies to close the gap in our knowledge of why teens pose a much higher crash risk when compared to other drivers.
VTTI is uniquely qualified and positioned to answer the Commonwealth of Virginia’s call, as well as the nation’s call for safer and more efficient transportation. We have 9 leading research centers within VTTI; 181 years of combined VTTI center directors’ experience in transportation research; a 2.2-mile Smart Road for safe, closed-track test-bed research; over 10,119 hours of logged Smart Road research with over $60 million in awarded research since opening in 2000; over 51,000 sq. ft. of laboratory and garage facilities; and our research has been chronicled in most major national and many international outlets as being the leader in conducting transportation research to save lives.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Dr. Lou Guillette's abstract posted on the KTU homesite!
Dr. Lou Guillette will be giving a talk to the kids on March 28th about, "Why are plastics bottles bad for alligators?" We just posted his updated abstract on the website and thought we would highlight it-
We live in a modern world of plastics. These plastics are used for everything from bike safety helmets to baby bottles. We see how these items help us in our everyday life and we believe they are safe and even make us safer. For example, we believe a plastic bottle is safer than a glass one, as we can get cut on a broken glass bottle. But…..are all these plastics really good for us and the environment? Do we need to learn about the potential dangers of some plastics that are used to store our food? And, why in the world would we think about baby alligators and plastics at the same time? Our program will explore the world of pollution and the many ways plastics can help us, but also potentially hurt the environment, including the health of alligators and us. We will learn which plastics might create problems and what people from around the world are doing to make a safer and cleaner environment for themselves and the animals that live around them.
"Why are plastic bottles bad for alligators?" by Dr. Lou Guillette
KTU in the Collegiate Times!
Hi all,
Yesterday the Collegiate Times article by Justin Graves about Kids' Tech University. Check it out!
There was 2 things I wanted to comment on though-
1. Virginia Bioinformatics Institute has formed a partnership with both Virginia 4H and New City Media to bring about Kids' Tech University.
2. Maria Laubenbacher is the volunteer organizer for the program.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Jan. 31, 2009 event was a huge hit!
Well, the Jan. 31, 2009 event was a huge hit! We were well organized and got started only about 10 min. late...which is pretty good considering the event included 400 children! Dr. Keith Devlin gave a great talk to the kids (and parents) answering the question, "Why are there animals with spotted bodies and striped tails, but no animal with a striped body and a spotted tail?" The kids loved the Hokiebird...who called during the opening of the lecture and showed up at the back of the lecture hall to say, "Hi!" to the kids. I think the Hokiebird had a great time and just may come back to another KTU event! We also wanted to give a big thanks to all the volunteer EMT's and VT police department members who came out to our event to make sure we were all safe.
The Kids' Tech University program was featured in the Sunday Roanoke Times article by Greg Esposito- check it out!
The extra lunches left over from the event were given to a local food bank, with the extra water and chips being saved for the next event.
We will be publishing a schedule for the next event within the next week or so. The lecture will start about 30 min to an hour later and will be at the Hay Market Theatre in Squires on the VT campus. The hands-on activities will include exhibits from departments, centers and student groups around VT campus and the community. Parents will be escorting their children through the exhibits whih will be housed in the Skelton Conference Center on the VT campus. Stay tuned for more information on the Feb. 28th Kids' Tech University event and for information about the many exhibits that well be available to the kids and the parents!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
New City Media
New City Media is an interactive agency based in Blacksburg, VA. They are a sponsor of KTU and are donating their valuable time and effort to create a portal for the children and the parents to log into to access the virtual lab material, lectures, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) kid news, and "why" questions answered by Tech and VBI staff that all associated with Kids' Tech University.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
KTU hands-on activities
The schedule for the Jan. 31 event is on the KTU website at http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu . Within the next week we will probably be releasing the schedule for the Feb. 28, March 28 and April 18, 2009 day events. The Jan. 31 event is a little different from the other dates due to the fact that we are going to the Math Emporium and we are divided into 2 groups of kids to do the hands-on activity- "Explorations in Math and Science Through Computer Graphics" which is led and developed by Terri Bourdon of the Math Department here at Tech.
For the Feb. 28, March 28 and April 18th dates we are renting large halls on campus and inviting exhibits from Virginia Tech departments and the community. The planning for these events has already begun (yes, among the mist of the Jan. 31 day event!) We have a really great turn-out of departments already. Now, if I told you exactly who I wouldn't have anything else to blog about later on so I'm going to save this little piece of juicy information for the future, but be assured you will find out all about the exhibits and the departments/community organizations that are sponsoring them!
KTU has a volunteer EMT!
We just found out that we secured a volunteer EMT that will be in the lecture hall and in the Math Emporium with the children in case there is an emergency. This is great news!
KTU is 9 days away!
KTU is 9 days away...and boy are we excited about the first event on Jan. 31, 2009. The VBI staff has been working hard on all the name tags for the kids and we have had 2 of our volunteer orientation meetings! Maria (our volunteer coordinator) is busy assigning roles to each volunteer and they will be sent out tomorrow. Of course, about all of volunteers for the program will be with the children. We have a ratio of 1:10 volunteer:to children. This ratio will allow for maximum exposure to the spirit, and safety, of Tech! The police have been invited to the event and I've been told that Boomer and a couple police officers will be at the venue!
Go KTU GO!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Roanoke Times
KTU got another donation!! The Roanoke Times donated 125 slinkies and 75 frisbees to be given out to the kids. We are going to give them at a hands-on station at the Feb. 28th day event! We decided against handing them out to the kids during the lecture...I can just see a frisbee go whizzing across the lecture hall and hit the lecturer in the head!
3300 Artesian Bottled Water Company
3300 Artesian Bottled Water Company is a bottling plant in Bland, VA. They are donating 400 8oz and 400 6oz bottles of water to KTU to be given out with the child lunches.
Thank you for your support!
Kids' Tech needs your help- if you are interested in helping us pick up the water from the bottling plant please let Kristy DiVittorio (at kdivitto@vbi.vt.edu or 540-231-1389) know!
Lecture halls for the first day event secured!
This month marks the first Kids' Tech University event on Jan. 31!
We have secured the student auditorium and the parents lecture halls for the Jan. 31 2009 day event! Parents are dropping off the students at the Graduate Life Center auditorium. We STRONGLY encourage the parents to watch the lecture in McBride hall rooms 100, 113 and 129. In the Graduate Life Center the students will be supervised by a volunteer (we have a ratio of 1 volunteer to every 10 students) and will be split into these groups based on their last name. Don't worry, we will have plenty of volunteers, signage and extra campus maps to point everyone around the campus!
A schedule for the Jan. 31 program will be posted later this week!
We have secured the student auditorium and the parents lecture halls for the Jan. 31 2009 day event! Parents are dropping off the students at the Graduate Life Center auditorium. We STRONGLY encourage the parents to watch the lecture in McBride hall rooms 100, 113 and 129. In the Graduate Life Center the students will be supervised by a volunteer (we have a ratio of 1 volunteer to every 10 students) and will be split into these groups based on their last name. Don't worry, we will have plenty of volunteers, signage and extra campus maps to point everyone around the campus!
A schedule for the Jan. 31 program will be posted later this week!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hands-on activites of KTU!
KTU is focusing on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. So, after the lecture that focuses on a STEM discipline we have planned a hands-on activity time for the children and/or parents that focus on that same discipline. For the hands-on activity for the Math discipline (on Jan. 31) the parents will drop off their child at the Math Emporium in the University Mall to do a hands-on computer activity. The Math Emporium is a wonderful and important asset to the Virginia Tech community! The parents and the students will definitely be impressed of the facility!
For all the other disciplines (Technology on Feb. 28, Science on March 28, and Engineering on April 18) we are renting large spaces on campus and will have many hands-on activities going on so that parents AND children can walk around and do the activities. We are really excited about these activities because it will showcase the great research and outreach activities associated with Virginia Tech, 4H and the community.
Graduate Citizen Scholar Engagement supports KTU
Here at Virginia Tech we have a graduate program called "Citizen Scholars". Graduate students from across the campus including Forestry, Chemistry, and Sociology Departments have take part in the program. Participants take academic excellence to the next level by using the knowledge they gained in academia and using it in real world settings while volunteering their time. These graduate students are "Citizen-Scholars" interested in, "Serving the community, the state, the nation, and the world..." The program is a part of the Transformative Graduate Education initiative of the Graduate School at Virginia Tech.
For Kids' Tech University the Graduate Citizen Scholars will be helping with logistics of the program during the day events. They will be interacting with the kids by explaining their research to them and telling them all about what it's like to be a student at Virginia Tech.
For Kids' Tech University the Graduate Citizen Scholars will be helping with logistics of the program during the day events. They will be interacting with the kids by explaining their research to them and telling them all about what it's like to be a student at Virginia Tech.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Emergency Cancellation Information
Its always good to have a backup plan! But in case for some reason we have to cancel a lecture (like a lot of snow which makes it highly unlikely that anyone can even get to the lecture hall) our action plan for getting the word out is this:
2. It will be posted on the KTU homepage (http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu)
3. There will be a message on the phone number 540-231-2100
4. We will post it on the KTU blog (http://kidstechuniversity.blogspot.com)
5. A message will be on 710 AM, 100.7 FM, Z104 FM, 95.7 FM, 94.9 FM and 2WD.
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