South Florida students to explore science and engineering at FIU’s 10th Annual Engineering Expo


WHAT: A potato gun, a rocket launcher and a Lego building contest are all part of the 10th Annual Engineering Expo at FIU, a day of interactive science and engineering activities for more than 1,000 Miami-Dade and Broward students.

The elementary through high school students will visit facilities and laboratories such as the Wall of Wind, which generates a virtual hurricane, and the Titan America Structures and Construction Testing Laboratory, where construction materials are tested to make sure they can withstand hurricanes.

Barrington Irving, the youngest person ever and the first African-American pilot to fly solo around the world, will speak to the children during the event’s opening ceremony. In 2007, Irving climbed into a single-engine plane called “Inspiration” and embarked on a 30,000-mile, round-the-world flight.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 25, 2011. The opening ceremony is scheduled from 9:30-10 a.m. Students will be visiting facilities, laboratories and participating in other activities from 10 a.m. – noon.

WHERE: Florida International University’s Engineering Center, 10555 West Flagler Street, located on the corner of Flagler Street and Southwest 107th Avenue.

WHY: Organized by the FIU College of Engineering and Computing and sponsored by the college and the FIU Student Government Association, the Expo is the one annual event where all departments, all student professional societies and all research labs work together to encourage public school students to consider a career in the engineering and science professions, where minorities are under-represented.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Engineering Expo website, where a list of all activities is available, or contact Stephanie Strange at 305-348-1635.

Media Contact: Madeline Baró at 305-348-2234.