UD engineering videos engage K-12 fans at Blue Rocks game

11:17 a.m., May 8, 2012--Amid the cracks of the Blue Rocks’ bats, the sounds of experiments filled Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on April 29 as two University of Delaware K-12 Engineering videos made the world of engineering come alive for the 3,000 children and parents seated during the Carolina League baseball game. 

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, currently engineers and scientists make up only four percent of the U.S. workforce. Significant shortages are predicted by 2016. 

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UD K-12 Engineering premiered the public service messages during Science Day at the ballpark. Aimed at encouraging kids to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the videos explained what engineering is – it’s not about engines – and who can be an engineer – anyone.

“The College of Engineering is working to avoid potential shortages of engineers and scientists by educating tomorrow’s workforce and by building a pipeline of engineers for the future,” explained Mel Jurist, coordinator of UD K-12 Engineering. “My job is to help kids and parents understand that engineering can be fun and interesting, and that it’s not all about engines.”

In addition to watching baseball, children and parents had the opportunity to conduct science experiments and learn the science behind everyday items such as sunscreen and smartphones at booths hosted by other academic institutions and industry participants.

“We are building a community of creative problem-solvers and outreach programs such as UD’s K-12 Engineering programs contribute toward that goal,” said Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, interim dean of engineering.

The K-12 Engineering video spots were funded by the Dow Chemical Company, sponsors of the Blue Rock’s Science Day. 

About UD’s K-12 Engineering

Recognizing the crucial role that engineering plays in various sectors, UD K-12 Engineering is an outreach of the College of Engineering aimed at attracting elementary, middle and high school students to the field of engineering through summer camps and engineering activities as well as undergraduate research experiences designed for rising juniors and seniors in high school.

Article by Janie Sikes