2019 USF Engineering Expo Event

The USF Engineering Expo is an annual, two-day event that seeks to educate K-12 students on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in their lives. To familiarize K-12 students with research at the nexus of transportation, environment, and community health, the USF team from the Center for Transportation, Environment, and Community Health (CTECH) set up a fun and educational activity booth at the Expo February 15-16, 2019.

Prior to the event, USF faculty researchers created a series of questions intended to share information with participants about the relationships between transportation and environment/community health (e.g., How does transportation affect water quality?).

Eight USF graduate students served as volunteers. They asked K-12 students questions and subsequently explained the answers. Each time a student answered a question correctly, he/she had a chance to spin the wheel for a variety of prizes like candy, pens, notepads, notebooks, and headsets. About 570 K-12 students actively engaged. In addition to raising awareness for CTECH, young minds were introduced to how transportation, while often providing mobility and freedom, impacts the environment and health.