Safely shoot a potato cannon, jump inside a computer, extract DNA from strawberries and more while earning a ticket to a journey around this increasingly technological world during Passport to Hi-Tech. Conner Prairie and Women & Hi Tech are offering this unique event to inspire, engage and educate young girls in science, engineering and technology, but are inviting all family members.
Sponsored by Roche Diagnostics and in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Passport to Hi-Tech will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is aimed at youth ages 8-12 and will feature a day full of exciting interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments, including a girls-only exploration lab, robots, Q&A sessions with Hoosier women in the science and technology industry, plus so much more.
“We are excited to partner with Women & Hi Tech for this unique event. We want to show young girls that science is exciting and isn’t just for boys,” said Ellen M. Rosenthal, president and CEO. “Although aimed at young women, this event is sure to inspire interest in science for the whole family.”
Activities include how to amplify DNA, what makes robots work, playing games inside a computer, how to design eco-friendly homes, designing and building structures that survive earthquakes, learning social media safety tips through a game, and what materials allow or restrict the flow of energy.
As well, there will be industry experts: women in science, technology and engineering from Indiana colleges and universities, including Purdue, IUPUI, Indiana State and Ivy Tech. They will be on-hand to provide short presentations and engage in Q&A sessions about what it is like to work in a male-dominated field.
“Passport to Hi-Tech focuses exactly on a core mission of Women & Hi Tech, which is to encourage and build interest in science, technology and engineering for young girls in Indiana,” said Deborah Pollack-Milgate, president of Women & Hi Tech. “We are proud to partner with Conner Prairie to provide a fun, exciting event for the community focused on science.”
A girls-only exploration lab (male friends and relatives are still welcome) will feature an imagination playground where girls can create an imagination playground using oversized building blocks and design and build a safe car of the future, discover what makes a balloon soar into the sky and other activities.
Passport to Hi-Tech is recommended for ages 8-12. All youth and families welcome. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. It is included in general admission, which is $7 for adults and youth (ages 2-12). Members and youth younger than 2 are free.
For more information call (317) 776-6006 or visit connerprairie.org.