2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Art and Science of Metalwork is an outreach event targeting 9th-12th grade girls hosted by Weber State University. This multi-day summer camp event introduces high school aged girls to various manufacturing technologies through the medium of metal art utilizing problem-based learning (PBL) methodology and organized as a partnership between the department of Manufacturing Systems Engineering and the department of Visual Arts. This paper describes the need to address some of the psychological factors of under-represented minorities (URM) within engineering and engineering technology. By creating an environment where belonging is promoted and stereotyping is decreased, the Art and Science of Metalwork Event achieves an atmosphere that is inclusive of women and girls. This camp is designed to demonstrate the role and place of women in the engineering disciplines through guest speakers and facilitators as well as engaging and interactive projects. This paper describes the basic structure of the event and schedule and details the art projects that have been used in the past years of hosting the event. This paper describes key lessons learned in the organization and facilitation of the event. Finally, this paper concludes that the Art and Science of Metalwork event is a positive way to promote the inclusion of girls into engineering fields and connect with the K12 community.