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| Students manipulate a radio controlled robotic car during a breakout session of Edison’s “We Are IT!” day in this file photo. The annual conference aims to help foster an interest in science and technology fields for young women throughout Miami, Darke and Shelby Counties. |
The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 16 at the Piqua campus, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The conference is specifically designed for girls in junior high and high school, encouraging the exploration of careers that traditionally have been dominated by men.
Working with the Ohio Department of Education, the Office of Career-Technical Education and the Ohio IT Business Advisory Network, Edison has brought more than 1,000 girls attending area junior high and high schools to campus since the program started in 2006.
Girls participating in the event have the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with robotics, examining and calculating crime scene data and building mobile game apps for smartphones. Throughout the day, under the instruction of Edison faculty and staff, the students have access to the college’s computers, labs and equipment.
The day begins with breakfast and a presentation by Edison assistant professor of mathematics, Terry Calvert. Students then can attend three of 15 different breakout sessions throughout the conference. There is also a networking lunch with Edison faculty and staff, and the day ends with a laptop awarded to the winner of an essay contest.
In addition to helping girls get interested in science and technology based careers, Edison is also offering breakout sessions aimed at helping teachers to deal with new technologies in the classroom.
Spaces to attend this exciting and informative event are very limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. To register, contact Cathy Barrow at cbarrow@edisonohio.edu, or call 937-778-7885.