Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN to host Arkansas STEM Girls event at NWA Fab Lab April 29
Posted 11 Apr 2017
The Arkansas PBS's Arkansas STEM Girls program is partnering with the NWA Fab Lab to host an Explore and Discover Workshop for 20 middle school girls Saturday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
AETN is working to expand the engagement of girls in STEM subjects using both formal and informal environments as Arkansas strives to increase the participation of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Arkansas STEM Girls provides workshops and special events to engage, educate and inspire girls to pursue STEM careers.
The Explore and Discover Workshop is free and open to girls in grades 4-7. Space is limited, and registration is required at aetn.org/arstemgirls. Lunch will be provided. Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from the NWA Fab Lab. Additional information is available by contacting Karen Walker, AETN community education coordinator, at kwalker@aetn.org or 800-662-2386.
As part of the workshop, participants will complete activities that include 3-D printing, laser engraving/cutting and programming LED lights by coding in Arduinos. AETN will send each participant home with a finished product and supplies, including a tinkering kit to continue experimenting with electronics.
Instructors for the day include: Eugene Sargent, NWA Fab Lab chief maker, who will be teaching the electronics session; Tiffany Dixon, NWA Fab Lab director, who will be teaching the laser cutting/engraving session; and Drew Wallis, cofounder of NWA3D, who will be teaching the 3-D printing session.
The NWA Fab Lab's mission is to provide access to the tools and resources to educate, innovate and invent using technology and digital fabrication to allow anyone to make (almost) anything, thereby creating opportunities to improve lives and livelihoods around the world.
The Arkansas PBS is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at aetn.org. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).