For the 15th consecutive year, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Washington State University (WSU) hosted Kids Science and Engineering Day (KSED), an event that captivates young imaginations and fosters a love for science and engineering. This year, on Saturday, March 30th, over 250 students from grades K-5, along with their parents, came to the WSU campus to participate in a day filled with engaging activities and hands-on learning experiences. KSED offers a platform for children to explore basic science and engineering principles in a fun and interactive manner. Through partnerships with various organizations across the WSU community, including numerous clubs, the event has many activities designed to pique the interest of young learners.
One of the highlights of this year’s KSED was the collaboration with sponsors and partner organizations. ASWSU, SEL: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and University Tees generously supported the event.
Among the 40 participating clubs, each offering unique activities, SEL: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories showcased block circuits and basic circuits, providing children with hands-on experience in circuitry and electrical engineering. Additionally, the Palouse RoboSub Club had a remote-control submersible robot, allowing young enthusiasts to explore the wonders of underwater technology.
Rylee Gannon, the Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers at WSU, is in charge of planning KSED. She is responsible for overseeing various committees and preparations and started preparation for KSED a year in advance. Her dedication and effort ensured that every aspect of Kids Science and Engineering Day was thoughtfully organized and engaging for all the attendees.
One of Gannon’s favorite parts of KSED this year was when WSU’s mascot Butch made an appearance at the event. Butch’s enthusiastic participation in activities alongside the children added extra joy and excitement to the event.
Looking ahead, SWE has ambitions to expand KSED’s reach and marketing to have even more attendees in the future. With a commitment to making STEM education accessible and enjoyable for all, the Society of Women Engineers wants to continue inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
As Kids Science and Engineering Day continues in the coming years, it serves as an example of the power of collaboration, passion, and education in shaping the future of STEM. Events like KSED show the importance of introducing kids to science and engineering concepts in a fun and engaging way, inspiring a lifelong passion for STEM fields.