Two Minutes

Building blocks for future engineers

Every winter about 700 school kids, parents, coaches and mentors converge on Iowa State University's College of Engineering for a day-long celebration of LEGO technology, engineering, teamwork and problem solving. It's called the FIRST LEGO League Iowa Championship. It's all about inspiring 9- to 14-year-olds to consider careers in engineering, science or technology. And the big and boisterous show is run by Camille Sloan Schroeder with a lot of help from a crew of students and volunteers.

A major league organizer: It's Schroeder's job to coordinate outreach and education events for Iowa State's College of Engineering. And that's no small task: Every winter the LEGO competition brings a crowd to campus. Then there are summer engineering camps to organize. Plus summer teacher institutes to develop pre-engineering courses in middle and high schools. Science night visits to schools. Field trips to campus. Special events. There's always something happening at Iowa State Engineering Kids.

Why LEGO building blocks at a university of science and technology? "Yes it's fun," Schroeder said. And, "it's an amazing way to get kids excited about engineering and science."

-- Mike Krapfl