Tensegrity and Flying Vehicles- hands-on exhibit on Feb. 27, 2011

In this presentation tensegrity structures will be displayed to illustrate their properties as well as airplanes and helicopters. In simple terms, a tensegrity structure is an assembly of disjointed bars and tendons that, under no external forces, yields equilibrium with all tendons in tension. These fascinating structures originated in the world of art and rapidly crossed boundaries into science and engineering being perceived as the structural systems of the future due to their lightness, adaptability and multifunctionality.

Host: Dr. Cornel Sultan, Assistant Prof. in AOE

Dr. Sultan has spent a significant amount of time in industry, working among others for United Technologies Research Center primarily on helicopter control. He has also been affiliated with Harvard University where he worked on mathematical modeling of biological systems.

At Virginia Tech he is a Faculty in the AOE Department and his research is focused on tensegrity and membrane structures, helicopters and coordinated flight. He is also working on bio-inspired engineering designs such as energy harvesting systems and novel structural systems.

Trenchless Technology

This exhibit will focus on the introduction of trenchless technologies used for condition assessment and repair/rehabilitation of our underground infrastructures. Videos about how those technologies work will be shown to the kids. Also, we will demonstrate our equipment (CCTV robotic camera) which can give kids a visual understanding of the importance of the trencheless technologies.

North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), a student chapter in Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. Our chapter was founded in 2008 with the help of our advisor Dr. Sunil Sinha, and now has more than 40 student members. Our mission aims at spreading the awareness of trenchless technologies and their importance in the infrastructure management, broadening the horizon of engineering students about the new technologies and keeping them in close contact with leading practices in modern underground asset management.

Reading the Past: Sequence Stratigraphy with the Po Plain project

Hands-on activity using magnification to sort samples and figure out clues to sea level change. Geologists use sediments to locate past sea levels. A National Science Foundation funded project at Virginia Tech is now adding fossil information to more precisely determine the depth of sea level as it changed in the Mediterranean Sea. Undergraduate interns developed this activity for kids, based on an activity from ANDRILL.

Museum of Geosciences

Llyn Sharp, Ceseley Haynes, New Intern Person

Virginia Tech

contact llyn@vt.edu

Looking Down is Looking Up! Why do we work with aerial photography?

Geospatial tools, which include geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing, provide us with an understanding of the earth. Through this activity, participants will use GIS tools to identify changes on the earth’s surface. We will examine aerial photography from several different time periods. Based on these data, students will explore, estimate, and measure general changes in land use during these time periods, and will explore impacts to the environment and communities that are associated with these changes.

Dr. John McGee is an associate professor in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech through the Virginia Geospatial Extension Program. The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program provides workforce development opportunities in GPS, GIS, and remote sensing to support the needs of local governments, state agencies, faculty at 4-year colleges and universities, and pre-college educators. The Geospatial Extension Program directly supports the needs of Virginia Cooperative Extension’s educators and specialists and related programming efforts.

From 3D Printing to Additive Manufacturing

Why settle for printing pictures of your new ideas, when you can print them physically in 3D? At this booth, participants will get a chance to interact with 3D Printing technology.

Starting from a three-dimensional computer drawing, a 3D Printer creates objects by depositing material for the part one cross-sectional layer at a time. The technology is primarily used to help engineers to quickly create prototypes of new products that they are designing. At the DREAMS Lab at Virginia Tech, we are researching how these machines can be used to make end-use products. How about a customized bicycle helmet? A custom iPhone cover? A set of braces? Only 3D Printing can make this a reality!

Visitors will be able to see this technology in action. Two desktop 3D Printers will be on display along with a 3D Scanner. Examples of parts made by other types of 3D printers will also be on display for visitors to interact with.

Group Abstract:
The mission of the DREAMS Lab is to lead the transition from "rapid prototyping" to "additive manufacutring" through advances in product design, process and materials research, and engineering education. Dr. Williams, the director of the DREAMS Lab, is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech with a joint appointment in the Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Education 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 3D printing in schools to provide a context for teaching students basic math, science, and engineering principles.

"Where in the world am I?"- Feb. 26th KTU hands-on booth

Hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents, Emily Nester, Tazewell County 4-H; and Daniel Collins, Grayson County 4-H; We will be exploring the world of GIS and Google Earth; youth participants will be able to electronically pinpoint their 'world' address on a projectable map! We will provide information on Google Earth, GIS, and Geo-Caching!

Feb. 26th KTU right around the corner

Hi everyone,

Over the next 3 weeks we will be posting information about the upcoming Feb. 26th program. In order for me not to bombard your email inbox I'm only going to send reminders to visit this site once a week...but there will be updates at least once a day on this site!

Please come back often!

More VSU KTU exhibitors

This weekend the faculty, staff and students of VSU are pulling out all the exciting and educational activities for the VSU KTU students. Below is a list of more exhibitors from VSU:

Dr. Krishan Agrawal

Mr. Bobby Mote

Juanita Thompson

Dr. Gerald Burton

Dr. Karen Faison

Dr. Brian Nerrie

Dr. Grace Ndip

Mrs. Debra Jones

Ms. Rosezelia Roy

On to March 20th!

Hi everyone,

The Feb. 27th KTU program is complete and we here at KTU headquarters are getting everything reorganized and ready for the March 20th program. For this month's program we will be in a new hands-on venue! Sorry parents and kids, you'll have to wait until next Friday to find out where in your overview of day document!

The program on March 20th is centered on the discipline of science! Dr. Guillette will be giving the lecture and VT clubs and departments will be exhibiting science orientated hands-on activities. We will start posting the exhibitor abstracts tomorrow!

Below is title and abstract for the lecture on March 20, 2010-

“Why do we need alligators in the swamp?” - Answered by Dr. Lou Guillette

Lecture abstract: We live in a modern world and wonder, “why do we still have dangerous animals?” Why do we need animals – like the alligator – living in our swamps? We will explore the world of the alligator and why these animals are not only important to the swamp, but what they can tell us about the world we live in. We will discuss the concept of a “keystone species” and a “sentinel species.” A keystone species is one that other animals depend on and, if lost from our world, would lead to major changes in the environment. A sentinel species can be used to inform us about the health of a population or environment. We will learn just how the alligator is helping make a safer and cleaner environment for all of us.

Dr. Lou Guillette is a Distinguished Professor of Biology at the University of Florida (UF), Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professor, and director of the HHMI UF G.A.T.O.R. Program. His research is concentrated in three main areas: 1. Influence of contaminants on the developmental and reproductive biology of wildlife and humans, 2. Endangered species reproduction, and 3. Evolution of maternal-fetal chemical communication.

The Techsupport Community at Virginia Tech will be at the Feb. 27th hands-on event!

"Computing and Gaming through the Ages"

Abstract: An exhibit of computing through the ages. Come see what gaming looked like in the 70's and 80's! Ever wonder what a "punch card" or a "slide rule" looked like? What did kids in the 70's use to listen to their favorite music? (Hint: There were no MP3 players!) Find out what year the Internet was born. Kids will have a chance to take a sneak peek into Computers Through the Ages: The Evolution of Computing. We will have several dinosaur computers and gaming units on display as well as a PowerPoint presentation highlighting their evolution.

The Techsupport Community at Virginia Tech is a collaborative discussion group, facilitated by a listserv, of Central and Departmental Information Technology faculty and staff. "

Physics department will be exhibiting on Feb. 27th!

Exhibitor title- Why Physics is Fun

Abstract- Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Optics and Pressure Demos
____________________________________
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.

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

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.

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

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).

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).

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.

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).

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).

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).