Project Discovery gives teen girls new perspectives in science and technology

LAWRENCE -- Enrollment is under way for Project Discovery, a residential engineering camp at the University of Kansas for girls entering ninth through 12th grades.

The camp, which will take place June 9-15, is designed by the KU School of Engineering to give teen girls exposure to the variety of engineering opportunities.

Project Discovery is enriching for many reasons, said Tia Smith, women's engineering programs coordinator for the school.

"It gives girls a chance to learn about engineering in a comfortable environment that also gives them a taste of what college life can be like," she said.

Project Discovery lets teen girls explore science principles in an enlightening, no-pressure setting. Working with KU engineering faculty members, students put to use fundamental concepts in mathematics, chemistry and physics to solve open-ended engineering design problems. Project Discovery participants are allowed use of several labs at KU for eight hands-on lab sessions. The professors guide students, answer their questions and help them develop problem-solving skills.

Participants also will learn the importance of ethics in the engineering field, how engineers improve their work by studying why past failures happened and team-building exercises to help participants develop skills necessary to work closely with others. The students will find that a career in engineering won't trap them behind a computer completing endless calculations.

During the week, participants live in a KU residence hall. Project Discovery culminates with an awards ceremony and special presentations by the participants in which they share their lessons and experiences with parents, faculty and other program participants.

"Girls who enjoy math and science classes should consider coming to the camp," Smith said. "You don't have to have taken chemistry or physics classes. There are no requirements, but I think a background in those classes would be helpful."

In previous years, most Project Discovery participants were from Kansas; however, some have come from Iowa and Colorado. This is the seventh year for the program.

The hope is that students will leave the camp with a better understanding of the engineering disciplines. The girls will learn whether the challenging and highly lucrative careers available in engineering are a good educational choice for them.

Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Registration, which closes April 30, is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The camp costs $200 and includes lodging, meals and lab materials. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students.

To register or get additional information, contact Tia Smith, (785) 864-2936, tiasmith@ku.edu.

Prospective participants also can learn more at www.engr.ku.edu.