Experience an engaging activity with Lego Robots and Pico Crickets designed to interest middle school girls in technology careers and learn to offer similar activities. Offered with National Science Foundation support, this hands-on project is one of several being utilized to demonstrate the fun in learning STEM concepts.
Presentation Description: Presenters will briefly describe a series of hands-on activities Illinois Valley Community College faculty are offering to middle school girls to interest them in STEM and teach STEM concepts, such as working with Lego Mindstorms versus Pico Crickets, building and launching paper rockets, and exploring forensic science.

Presenters will describe best practices being utilized not only to generate interest but to sustain it, which include
* offering activities over several months to a cohort of young women,
* working with middle school teachers who are committed to the project and set high expectations.
Presenters will also share results of assessments, including research into the value of parent involvement in the hands-on activities.

Participants will complete one stage of building/programming the Robots/Crickets.

Participants will receive project instructions and all related paperwork including sample assessments to enable them to develop ideas for, organize, offer, and assess similar, innovative and cost-effective projects.

Susan Caley Opsal, Instructor, Illinois Valley Community College, Oglesby, IL