TSG+attend+K.I.T.S

Champlain College recently hosted K.I.T.S. (Kids in Technology and Science - a day aimed at engaging middle school kids with hands on activities such as building computers, building robots, and computer programming with A.L.I.C.E.. Ali Rafieymehr, Dean of the Division of Information Technology and Sciences, organized the event with gender equity strategies in mind, including a requirement that half the participants from any school by female students. Fifteen Tech Savvy Girls from St. Albans City School attended the event and build computers, build and programmed a robot, and learned how to program using A.L.I.C.E. Seventh grader, Veronica and Cordelia, interviewed 3 of the female Champlain students to learn more about their interest in technology and discovered some common themes that support past research on girls and technology. Tech Savvy Girls is planning follow-up workshops to build on the interest in technology created by Champlain College's K.I.T.S. Day.


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From WCAX - TV Some Vermont middle school students turned into scientists for a day. Champlain College hosted its Kids in Technology and Science or KITS event on campus Thursday morning, where more than 200 sixth through eighth-graders participated in a day of hands-on learning about computers and even robots. Teachers and Champlain College students helped the kids build homemade computers and then used them to learn about animation and programming. Organizers say one of their objectives is to involve more girls in science and technology. "The goal of this project is for female students because that's the one we are lacking around the country with female students and if you notice around here, half of the students are female. Just to get them interested in science and technology," said Ali Rafieymehr, the dean of Information Technology and Sciences at Champlain College. The computers that were built during the event will be donating to the participating middle schools. Melinda Davenport - WCAX News || * || Gabrielle media type="custom" key="7529821"

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