Following the successful launch of the Kids’ Tech University (KTU) program at Bowling
Green State University last year, the university has announced the lineup of
invited speakers for the 2013 program.
Kids’ Tech is designed to let kids explore scientific concepts through hands-on
activities as they discover more about the world and nature, while nurturing the
future workforce in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by sparking
children’s interest in those fields.
The spring semester event is for kids between the ages of 9 and 12 who live within a
one-hour driving distance of BGSU. There is a $25 registration fee to
participate; scholarships are available. All students will receive a lunch card
and a KTU T-shirt. The program is held in the same campus lecture halls used by
BGSU students.
The morning session features a talk and extended question period with the invited
speaker. The afternoon sessions will include a series of hands-on activities
relevant to the session topic that the children can participate in with their
parents.
Registration will be limited to 150 children, and starts at 6 p.m. on Dec. 10.
Register online at
http://kidstechuniversity-bgsu.vbi.vt.edu/county_registration.php
Following are the four sessions:
• On Feb. 9, Dr. Jennifer Kay of the National Center for Climate Research in Boulder,
Colo., will discuss "Bright Blankets and Boating Bonanzas: How Do Clouds
and Ice Affect Our
Planet?" Her website is http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/staff/jenkay/
• On Feb. 16, Dr. Craig Zirbel, a BGSU professor of mathematics and statistics, will
share "Practical Math for the Digital Age." Learn more about him at
http://www-math.bgsu.edu/z/
• On April 6, Dr. Brett Tyler, director of the Center for Genome Research and
Biocomputing at Oregon State University, will present "Why My Banana
Doesn’t Get the Flu." His website is http://bpp.oregonstate.edu/tyler
• In the last session, on April 13, Dr. Ron Woodruff, Distinguished Research
Professor of biological sciences at BGSU, will speak about "What Can Flies
Tell Us About Human Health and Evolution?" Learn more his work at
http://www.bgsu.edu/departments/biology/people/woodruff.html
Kids’ TechU is directed by Dr. Paul Morris, a professor of biology.