Women Girls Workshop Overview

Objective:

To introduce students to the field of engineering and to explore the various disciplines of engineering.

Part A:  Introduction to Careers in Construction

The introduction portion of this workshop consists of a PowerPoint presentation to introduce students to engineering. A broad overview of engineering will be given followed by a closer look at the various engineering disciplines (for example – civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, etc.). The educational pathway necessary to pursue a career in engineering will be examined and the skill set of an engineer along with benefits of a career in engineering will be explored.

PowerPoint Presentation: 17 slides

Part B: Mentor/ Role Model Component

Research indicates that one of the most important factors to the success of young women in technical fields and skilled trades is providing mentors and role models. Young women need to see examples of other women successfully following non-traditional career paths. For this portion of the workshop, choose from the following options:

1. Mentor Presentation

A contact list of local women in the skilled trades and technical fields has been provided in this toolkit, along with their contact information. They may be contacted to make presentations to students regarding the challenges and benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trades and technical fields.

2. Mentor Brochures

Brochures of local mentors have also been provided in this toolkit which can be used as case studies of successful women pursuing a skilled trade or technology. They include information such as education, salary, employer, skills, challenges, and benefits of various careers in the skilled trades and technical fields. These brochures can be used as supplementary materials in addition to a mentor presentation, or alone if mentors are unavailable.

3. Video Clips

There are several video clips located on the accompanying USB drive of women working in the skilled trades and technology that can be shown in addition to the ones already embedded within the PowerPoint presentations. These can be used as supplementary materials, or as the primary method of exposing young women to mentors in the skilled trades and technical fields.

Part C: Experimental Learning Exercise

Engineering Challenge: Build a volleyball machine

Step 1:

Show the following introductory video: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p054/volleyball-challenge

Step 2:

Provide students with the necessary materials and go over the rules of the challenge. Explore the site for teacher lesson prep and plan. Students must build two “volleyball machines” that can launch a ping pong ball back and forth over a net.

Step 3:

Provide students with necessary materials and go over the rules of the challenge. Students must build two “volleyball machines” that can launch a ping pong ball back and forth over a net.

Explore the site for teacher lesson prep and plan, as well as student worksheets.

Step 4:

Ask students to brainstorm ideas for their machine and sketch their design.

Materials required”

• 2 pieces of corrugated cardboard (max size 12″ x 12″ or 30cm x 30cm)
• 20 wooden craft sticks (4 1/2″)
• 20 sheets of printer paper (not cardstock)
• 20 wooden pencils
• 10 rubber bands
• Roll of clear tape

Outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop, students will:

• Be able to define the work of an engineer
• Identify the gender imbalance in the field of engineering
• Identify various disciplines of engineering
• Understand the requirements of becoming a licensed engineer
• Identify advantages to pursuing a career in engineering
• Experience a hands-on engineering activity