Kids Science and Engineering Day ignites curiosity

More than 300 school-age children from around the Palouse region recently had the chance to learn about science and engineering through fun, hands-on activities at the 16th annual Kid's Science and Engineering Day.

Hosted by WSU's student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the event gave children the chance to pilot robotic submarines and battle bots, extract strawberry DNA, explore circuit boards, and create ice cream in a bag to learn about freezing points - among many interactive stations. SWE's mission is to encourage women to pursue engineering as a career.

"Some children don't engage as well with sitting in a classroom," said Rylee Gannon, a chemical engineering student and vice president of SWE who led planning for the event. "If you are not exposed to these sorts of opportunities in engineering at a young age you might not even realize that you are interested in it."

Gannon began coordinating the event in September, collaborating with a committee of SWE members to manage club recruitment, funding, volunteer schedules, and school outreach. The event featured 45 clubs and organizations from the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, which presented students with unique activities. Students from Pullman, Moscow and the surrounding areas were invited to attend and received themed T-shirts and goodie bags.

Three hundred club members and students also volunteered and helped out at the event, which was supported by approximately $8,000 in donations and sponsorships.

"The long hours and planning are worth it," said Gannon. "The most rewarding thing is seeing the excitement of all the kids and their families as they're going around. A lot of the parents gave feedback and thanked us for hosting the event."