February 20, 2009 - 7:09am
The Department of Physics and Engineering at Vancouver Island University is pleased to continue its 2nd Annual Engineering Fair competition with two events in February.
These events introduce Grade 11 physics students to engineering practice through a design competition and interaction with local engineering firms. Schools within District 68 (Nanaimo-Ladysmith), 69 (Parksville-Qualicum), and 79 (Cowichan Valley) are invited to participate in upcoming events during the 2008/2009 academic year.
"The Engineering Fairs help educate students on what engineering is and why they might like to chose that career path," said Brian Dick, a professor in the Engineering department. "Engineers from VIU and from our local community will be available to answer questions, as well as mentor the students as they work through a design problem and build their solution."
The Engineering Fair originated as an annual event held in May but has since grown to six events held each year. In 2007/08, over 250 students from eight local high schools participated in these events, which are offered to the community through the newly expanded Engineering program offered at VIU. In addition to the successful 1st year engineering transfer program to both UBC (University of British Columbia) and UVic (University of Victoria), students now have the option of taking a two year transfer program to the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at UVic. Acceptance into third year at UVic is guaranteed upon acceptance into the VIU 2nd year program.
"Much like the real world where engineers have devised solutions to problems under various constraints, students at these fairs are given a design problem with constraints and must develop (and build) the best solution given those constraints," said Dick. "Food and prizes are provided, but more importantly, engineers from Herold Engineering Inc. are volunteering their time to help mentor students during the design phase and give advice on what an engineering career path may have in store for them. It's a great opportunity."
The engineering fairs will take place on February 25 at VIU with Wellington Secondary and Woodlands Secondary and February 26 with Cedar Secondary and Nanaimo District Secondary
VIU Engineering would like to thank Lee Rowley (P.Eng) and staff from Herold Engineering Ltd for volunteering to mentor students during these two event days, in addition to professors within the department. We would also like to thank the NSERC Promoscience program and the NSERC Pacific Regional Opportunities fund for their financial support of the Engineering Fair initiative.
If you are interested in finding out more information on the Engineering Fair or Engineering transfer program, please contact Brian Dick (753-3245 x2435) or visit our website at www.viu.ca/engineering.
Tags: In the Community
