Kids’ Tech University at BGSU opens world of science

BOWLING GREEN, O.—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.

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.”

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.”

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’ Tech at BGSU is directed by Dr. Paul Morris, a professor of biology, and is funded through 4H and a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant, which calls for participating universities to help prepare the next generation of scientists.

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(Posted November 21, 2012 )