The 2014 Operation SMART program took place from September 27th to November 1st. Girls aged 10-14 were introduced to different engineering disciplines each week with activities taught by female engineers working in industry.

1. Week 1: Introduction and Mechanical Engineering
2. Week 2: Civil & Building Engineering
3. Week 3: Chemical & Materials Engineering
4. Week 4: Mining & Petroleum Engineering
5. Week 5: Electrical Engineering & Renewable Energy

Week 1: Introduction and Mechanical Engineering

In the first week, the girls had an introduction to engineering design concepts. They learned mechanical engineering concepts building roller-coasters.

They then competed in the egg drop challenge! Designing a contraption to prevent an egg from breaking at a tall height.

Week 2: Civil & Building Engineering

In the civil engineering session, students learned about insulation of building and designed their own insulating device. They also learned about strong shapes and built marshmallows structures.

Week 3: Chemical & Materials Engineering

In the third week, the girls learned about material engineering concepts, examining the materials properties of glue, water and borax. They then combined them in a chemical reaction to produce ‘slime’ a material with completely different properties. They then had to make a product using the slime and pitch it to the class. The girls then made their own soap and drew process flow diagrams outlining the process for making soap.

Week 4: Mining & Petroleum Engineering

In this session the girls went to the Oil Sands Discovery Centre and completed a scavenger hunt of the museum to learn more about the mining, extracting and upgrading process for oil sand. The girls also did a ‘Cookie Reclamation’ activity to mining chocolate chips from cookies.

Week 5: Electrical Engineering & Renewable Energy

In the final session, the girls learned about circuits and drew circuit diagrams. They built their own electric fans and converted them to wind turbines to produce renewable energy. Finally they applied their knowledge of circuits to make a dance dance revolution style game that lights up when you step. We were also caught on camera for 3 Things for Wood Buffalo!

Tune in next year for more Operation SMART!