Department

Computer Science

Major

Computer Science

Research Advisor

Tauritz, Daniel

Advisor's Department

Computer Science

Funding Source

UMR Opportunities in Undergraduate Research Experience , Computing Research Association Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research, Collaborative Research Experience for Undergraduates

Abstract

The goal of this project is to create a tool to aid in reversing the alarming trend of decreasing interest in Computer Science (CS) among American students, particularly females. The current generation of American female students tends to be attracted to fields with clear social relevancy. Middle school is a crucial time when students form their opinions about math and science; this is also the time when they begin picking elective classes and, in the case of female students, all too often not picking the math and science classes that would prepare them for a Computer Science career. Our tool will be software aimed at middle school students, with emphasis on female appeal, showcasing the social relevancy of CS through a series of highly visual games and puzzles, illustrating the careers of CS alumni. They will be connected in a manner inspired by "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"

Biography

Laura is the daughter of Karen and Jeff Woodard of Rockton, Illinois. She is a senior at UMR majoring in computer science with a double minor in mathematics and psychology. Laura plans to graduate from UMR in May 2007. Laura is an officer in the Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group: Security. She assists with activities at the local middle school and high school such as Expanding Your Horizons and the Science Olympiad and participates in a law enforcement internship program. In addition, Laura enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies.

Research Category

Engineering

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Document Type

Poster

Location

Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room

Presentation Date

11 April 2007, 9:00 am - 11:45 am

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Apr 11th, 9:00 AM Apr 11th, 11:45 AM

Computer Science Recruitment in the 21st Century: Improving the Image of Computer Science with 4th-7th Graders, Especially Females

Havener Center, Carver-Turner Room

The goal of this project is to create a tool to aid in reversing the alarming trend of decreasing interest in Computer Science (CS) among American students, particularly females. The current generation of American female students tends to be attracted to fields with clear social relevancy. Middle school is a crucial time when students form their opinions about math and science; this is also the time when they begin picking elective classes and, in the case of female students, all too often not picking the math and science classes that would prepare them for a Computer Science career. Our tool will be software aimed at middle school students, with emphasis on female appeal, showcasing the social relevancy of CS through a series of highly visual games and puzzles, illustrating the careers of CS alumni. They will be connected in a manner inspired by "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"