Young women can see themselves learning more about engineering after getting a taste of the field.

Central Okanagan Middle school students were invited to participate in workshops at UBCO which allowed them to experience different tasks in the engineering department.

One group had fun using special felt markers to design a path for their tiny glowing robot.

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Using special codes, the group directed the robot to perform tasks, said Glenrosa Middle School student Molly Dick.

害羞草研究所淭his is a really good experience,害羞草研究所� said Dick. 害羞草研究所淚t would be really fun to do this, it害羞草研究所檚 so interesting. It害羞草研究所檚 awesome.害羞草研究所�

Grade 7 student Lucy Reimer said she could see herself researching jobs like engineering in the future and looks forward to its challenges.

害羞草研究所淚n the future, it害羞草研究所檒l become more complex,害羞草研究所� she said.

The students learned coding techniques through classes, but this was the first time they programmed robots in an engineering setting.

Students were brought to the campus Oct. 27 as part of Go ENG Girl, a nation-wide program which encourages young women to learn from professionals and bridge gender gaps in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Marie O害羞草研究所橞rien is a graduate student of the mechanical engineering program at UBCO and works part-time as an ambassador.

害羞草研究所淏asically, we try to connect what they like to do with what could be something an engineer does,害羞草研究所� said O害羞草研究所橞rien.

The goal is to see the young women enjoying themselves and to be inspired, she said.

害羞草研究所淔or me, personally, I just want to show them this is an opportunity for something you could do if you害羞草研究所檝e never thought about it.害羞草研究所�

There害羞草研究所檚 a lot of misconceptions among students both male and female about what engineering is, said Tanya Chartrand, undergraduate program assistant with the School of Engineering. 害羞草研究所淲e want to work with the school district super early, to dispel those stereotypes so students can make an educated decision about what program they fall into.害羞草研究所�

About 120 girls cycled through four workshops throughout the day.

To report a typo, email: edit@kelownacapnews.com.

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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