Cart Kids go high-tech at TI's 'TODSTW' Day event
07/13
They played with robots, conducted science experiments, played musical instruments, learned about insects and tried out different products with TI parts inside.
But most of all, the 1,375 children and TI employees who participated in TI's 20th-annual "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work" Day had fun exploring the world of science and technology.
This year's event, themed "You're Up Next," focused on innovation and encouraged kids to take the lead as the next generation of engineers.
Steve Lyle, TI's director, university marketing and engineering workforce development, said it was exciting to see all of the TI parents and children enjoying the wide range of activities, sessions and workshops offered at this year's 20th-anniversary celebration.
"TI set out to host an exciting and interactive morning filled with fun activities that raise the children's interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and inspire them to think about technology and innovation in different ways," Steve said.
"I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the activities with my grandson as he learned about the many ways that technology is present in our daily lives."
For the second year, TI invited girls and boys from external organizations to participate in the day's events.
Several girls from United Way agency Girls Inc. took part in the booths and activities, and 30 boys from Hope FARM enjoyed the day's events, which included hearing Senior Vice President Art George talk about his journey from being a child living in a poor neighborhood to working at TI.
In addition to the more than 40 booths and displays, children had the opportunity to bring their engineering designs to life in "Microcontroller Launchpad" workshops and put their skills to work in "Teen Track" sessions.
University representatives were also on hand to share information with teens and parents, and employees who recently graduated from college answered questions about how they got to where they are at TI today.
"We had a great mix of activities that appealed to children of all ages," said Kylonnie Jackson, TI's 2013 event chair.
"Our special team of TI volunteers did an outstanding job of putting this year's milestone event together and making the day special for everyone."
