04/29/14
Girls exploring science, technology, engineering and math
-- STEM -- is the point of a residential camp this summer at Fort Hays State University.

"The STEM Girls Camp is meant to give girls an opportunity to experience the emerging world of e-textiles and expose them to the underlying engineering, science and mathematics behind it," said Dr. Paul Adams, director of FHSU's Science and Mathematics Education Institute.

E-textiles are articles of clothing, home furnishings and architecture that include modern day technology. "The wearable electronics business is expected to grow from a $14 billion industry in 2014 to $70 billion in 2024," says the registration Web page, http://www.fhsu.edu/academic/college-of-education-and-technology/smei/Camps/.

Campers will also have the opportunity to work with hardware such as the Lilly Pad Arduino, a set of sewable electronics used by designers to incorporate electronic devices into fabric. Along with this the campers will be joined by women who are in the field of e-textiles and engineering.

The five day camp, June 15-19, is for girls entering grades 7 to 9 in fall 2014. The $300 registration includes room and board, camp shirt and materials. Scholarships are available for campers from Ellis, Rooks, Russell and Trego counties. The camp is limited to 24 participants. Registration deadline is May 16.