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Explore Engineering During EWEEK 2008 at the New York Hall of Science
2-08-08
Explore Engineering During EWEEK 2008 at the New York Hall of Science
Queens, N.Y. – In celebration of National Engineers Week, the New York Hall of Science in conjunction with the American Society of Civil Engineers, IBM and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum present EWEEK 2008 on February 18 – 22. This year’s theme of “Diversity” reaches out to women and other diverse audiences to promote engineering.
“This is a terrific opportunity for us to show our young people how engineering impacts our daily lives and how technology sets the stage for a better future,” said Hall President & CEO Marilyn Hoyt.
EWEEK 2008 programs include:
American Society of Civil Engineers Activities Stations
Monday, February 18
10 am – 4:30 pm
Topple a Tug – Why do boats made from steel, aluminum or concrete float? Why can some boats carry more weight than others? "Topple-A-Tug" teams design, build and test a boat made from a single sheet of aluminum foil to learn about the concepts of buoyancy and the effects that changes in design parameters can have on the final product.
West Point Bridge Designer – Be introduced to the West Point Bridge Designer Program and Contest. Civil engineers will assist in using this special software (which may be downloaded at home) that explores how truss bridges work, and how engineers use the computer as a problem-solving tool.
Other activities include building with blocks; designing paper bridges and towers with domes made out of gumdrops. Talk to engineers and learn how they contribute to your everyday world.
Engineering Author Visit: Elizabeth Mann
Monday, February 18
2 & 4 pm, ages 7 and older
Author Elizabeth Mann visits the Science and Technology Library to discuss her wonderful work with books and engineering. Ms. Mann’s books will be available for sale in the library.
Formerly a teacher in the New York City Public Schools, she holds an M.S.E. from Bank Street College of Education. She is co-founder of Mikaya Press and the author of the Wonders of the World Book series that includes these titles: The Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, The Great Pyramid, The Great Wall, The Roman Colosseum, The Panama Canal, Machu Picchu, Hoover Dam, and Tikal.
Nature of Science Sessions
Tuesday – Thursday, February 19, 20 & 21
11 am & 3 pm
Do you like simulation video games? Do you like problem solving with computers?
Come to the Hall and play scientist to help open up a whole new area of research! Breed creatures, map the universe and explore the stars while working in teams and competing with others. You'll use a computer simulation to make observations, develop hypotheses, and perform experiments. Other scientists will be working on the same problem, so you must write articles for them to read, and react to their research all while managing a budget and analyzing data.
Better work fast, though, so you publish first!
Ship Shape: From Specs to Decks, a special program co-presented by Intrepid
Wednesday & Thursday, February 20 & 21
11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm
How do people figure out which designs will work and which will not? They experiment of course! Children participating in Ship Shape: From Specs to Decks will discover that form truly follows function by learning about what parts make up the Intrepid's design and how this design was crucial for allowing planes to take off from and land on her very decks! Children will create their own paper airplanes, test fly them and change their design to see how it affects the flight plan of the plane!
PowerUP! Video Game Launch
Saturday, February 23
1 – 4 pm
Enter the world of PowerUP, a new, online, multiplayer-game that allows teens to experience the excitement and the diversity of modern engineering. Players explore a rich, 3D environment and witness the extreme pollution and weather disasters that threaten the game world and its inhabitants. Working together in teams, players take on the role of engineers designing and building energy solutions to save the world!
PowerUP was created by IBM and TryScience/The New York Hall of Science with scientific content and expertise provided by the Tech Museum of Innovation, the Bakken Museum and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Following the launch, download and play PowerUP for free at http://powerupthegame.org.
If you are a member of the media and would like more information about EWEEK 2008, please contact the Hall’s public relations office at 718.699.0005 ext. 342.
The New York Hall of Science is New York City’s hands-on science and technology center. More than 400 interactive exhibits explore the wonder and excitement of biology, chemistry and physics. From September through June, the Hall is open 9:30 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Thursday, 9:30 am – 5 pm on Friday, and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children (ages 2-17), college students with valid ID, and seniors (62+). For directions, and other information, please visit www.nyscience.org or call 718.699.0005.
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Media Contact: Carol Nordin 718.699.0005