Girl Tech to teach middle schoolers about technology

WHAT: Join the University of Illinois Springfield’s Computer Science Department for two days of fun exploring technology during Girl Tech 2016.

WHEN: Thursday, June 16 and Friday, June 17, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: University Hall Building (UHB) on the UIS campus

DETAILS: Studies show the number of women in higher education in computer science is falling drastically. Girl Tech is geared toward girls in middle school because interest seems to start decreasing around that age.

Highlighting the sessions this year is the opportunity for girls to play NASA/NSF’s Selene game. Selene challenges players to learn the major geologic processes scientists believe formed the modern Moon. Players construct their own virtual moon and then pepper it with impact craters and flood it with lava. New technology will include basic circuit design while creating an LED illuminated photo frame.

Girls will also get the chance to use a 3D-pen to create their own 3D sculpture or jewelry and print it using a 3D printer. They will also create their own computer games with by using the program Scratch. Girls will use hi-tech design tools to create a Girl Tech 2016 t-shirt to take home.

The registration fee is $30 per girl, which covers lunch both days, snacks and a participation t-shirt. To be eligible to participate, the girl must be entering 7th, 8th or 9th grade in the Fall of 2016. For more information about the camp and to register visit, http://csc.uis.edu/girltech/. The registration deadline is Friday, June 3, 2016.

For more information, contact Lucinda Caughey, camp coordinator and UIS Computer Science instructor, at 217/206-8336 or lcaug2@uis.edu.