Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities included:
- simulating earthquakes and learning about the power of amplitudes and frequencies with UTS’s remote lab
- the chance to learn the basics of Javascript, one of the world’s most common programming languages
- using magnets, batteries and wires to make an artificial heart and
- discovering how robots can be used to save lives following natural disasters
- careers talks from various UTS Alumni including Daphne Chong, Senior Software developer at Mi9.
Thanks to UTS’s strong links engaging with industry the day also featured representatives from Engineers without Borders, UTS Motorsports, UTS Centre for Health Technologies, ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems, Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, Tech Girls are Chic- Not Just Geek, Females in IT and Telecommunications(FITT) and Symantec; as well as staff and student societies from the Faculty of Engineering and IT.
The Faculty’s Equity & Outreach Coordinator Laura Waibel said events like Hands On Day are important in convincing high school girls of the long-term societal benefits of studying and working in IT and Engineering.
‘’These industries are extremely important in shaping a sustainable and technology-driven future and women are currently underrepresented in both engineering and IT. We're hoping to change that one female high school student at a time because individuals regardless of gender and society as a whole stands to benefit from increased female participation in engineering and IT,’’ said Ms Waibel whose team were impressed by the energy of students at Hands On Day – particularly those who woke early to make the journey from Newcastle and the far south coast.
The next Hands On Day takes place on 6 August. Places fill up quickly so teachers are encouraged to book places early. Parents are encouraged to register their daughters to attend if schools are not able to allow an excursion.
