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Reneé Alexander, Vicki Angelini and Kayla Ellis
Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
University of Missouri - Kansas City
Advisors: Drs. Bryan R. Becker and Brian A. Fricke
Abstract
A week-long camp was developed by undergraduate NASA-MOSGC research interns at UMKC, in collaboration with the Girl Scout Council of NE Kansas and NW Missouri. The purpose of this camp was to help young girls, ages 11 to 14, explore the world of technology, engineering, design, and discovery. The camp was held during the week of July 20-26, 2008, and the young girls were engaged in a variety of activities and demonstrations, including designing and building a rocket, a popsicle-stick bridge, a rubber band car, cardboard furniture, and an egg protection device for an egg drop competition. These activities and demonstrations illustrated several engineering principles including simple machines, Newton's Laws of Motion, kinetic energy, and strength of materials. Based on results of a survey administered on the last day of the camp, the young girls found the activities and presentations to be enjoyable and their participation in the camp fostered a stronger interest in engineering
Ada Renee Alexander was born in Austin, Texas and raised in Oakland, California. She is a sophomore civil engineering student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Renee has a mathematics degree from Huston-Tillotson College and has taught high school math for many years. After completing her Engineering degree, she hopes to become a land developer and teach part-time.
Vicki Angelini (Zhelyazkov) was born and raised in Wichita, KS and is a junior mechanical engineer at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. Vicki has aspirations in both research and teaching.
Kayla Ellis has been a resident of the KC metro area all of her life and is a junior mechanical engineer at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. She hopes to one day use her knowledge for advancements in vehicle safety. In her free time Kayla enjoys spending time with friends playing board games and sports.
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