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...

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.