University of Kansas engineering students will exhibit their talents and highlight the KU School of Engineering on Friday, Feb. 27, at the annual Engineering Expo. Exhibits will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Learned Hall. Mulally, a Lawrence native, will speak about the opportunities he has found as a result of having an engineering education. Engineering Expo also will offer 10 design competitions for high school students.
All events are free to the public.
The high school design competitions will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Learned Hall. Contests reflect the Expo theme and include designing a World Wide Web home page, building the loudest gong from recycled materials, building bridges from pasta or popsicle sticks, constructing and flying a rubber-band glider and constructing and operating a Rube Goldberg device. Demonstrations of engineering computer programs, of robotics and of testing equipment used in engineering, such as a shock tube, noise buster, concrete cruncher and wind tunnels. Activities for visitors include a quicksand pit, where people can strap on big rubber boots and step in, and a Lego bridge-building room where designs will be judged on appearance, strength and cost. Each Lego-block color will be worth a certain dollar amount.