On Saturday, October 9th, the USC Department of Earth Sciences and the Southern California Earthquake Center, in partnership with the Los Angeles African American Engineers & Professional Employees Association (AAEPEA), will hold Science & Technology Awareness Day for the second time at USC's Zumberge Hall of Science (ZHS).

This AAEPEA-sponsored technical outreach day is in its sixth year. Its purpose is to expose students and families to opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM-related fields) and provide a forum to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Last year, the first year the event was held at USC, there were close to 200 participants, with a Shake Table contest as the grand finale of the day. Notable attendees last year included Councilmember Jan Perry from the 9th District and City Engineer Gary Moore.

This year's theme of Science & Technology Awareness Day will address the infrastructure problems highlighted recently by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and invites the next generation of scientists to think about the solutions.

USC Earth Sciences' own Professor Lawford Anderson will kick-off Science & Technology Awareness Day with a talk about water resources, followed by a shake table demonstration. There will be many exhibits, providing a wide range of hands-on activities. And to conclude the day, there will be a final event: a contest where the children will work together in teams to come up with solutions.

Those interested in attending, participating as an exhibitor, or volunteering should contact Karen Young at kayoung.usc.edu.

We hope to see you at this year's Science & Technology Awareness Day on Saturday, October 9th!
To read about the events last year, take a look at SCEC's article!