CS2 Teams up with the Pre-College Initiative
The first workshop took place on Saturday, November 6, 2004 at Randolph Hall. At this event students were given an introduction to circuitry basics. A small lecture opened up the workshop, introducing concepts such as the binary numbering system, basic boolean logic, truth tables, and finally the implementation of logic itself. Following this opening instruction, students were given an opportunity to explore the aforementioned concepts through a lab. The lab focused on building a?predesigned circuit?with the ability?to?determine?whether a 4-digit binary number is prime. This circuit, which required 3 integrated chips and handful of jumper wires, were implemented?using "PencilBoxes," small student circuitry kits designed for?basic prototyping. Using these kits, PCI participants had an opportunity to use actual university equipment (See ECE 2504: Introduction to Computer Engineering). A group of four to five PCI students were assigned a pencil box and had at their side a mentor to walk them through the process. At the end of the workshop, students had witnessed the application of logic at a fundamental level. Furthermore, they had experienced an engineering activity on campus, using real university equipment, with Hokies at their side. This workshop was a wonderful introduction to engineering as well as a generous invitation to explore what tech has to offer.
For more information visit the PCI website at: http://www.nsbe.org/precollege/
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