March 1, 2006

Design Detailings: SAF has open house for volunteers

The Seattle Architecture Foundation holds its 2006 Volunteer Open House from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rainier Square Atrium, First Floor Gallery, 1333 Fifth Ave.

The open house is for people looking for a new volunteer opportunity and those who would like to make connections with peers. The foundation offers guided walking tours, youth programs, exhibits and public events.

For information go to the foundation Web site at http://www.seattlearchitecture.org or call (206) 667-9184.

Shoup lecture at UW March 2

Donald Shoup will speak on his book, "The High Cost of Free Parking" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, at the University of Washington's Architecture Hall, Room 147. Shoup proposes that more parking spots collect fees, and that revenue be used to improve the neighborhoods where it is collected. His appearance is sponsored by the UW College of Architecture and Urban Design.

WSU studies early engineering interests

Washington State University researcher Denny Davis and colleagues have been awarded a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation that seeks to improve student interest in math in secondary grades. The study also focuses what makes students interested in engineering and science careers.

These questions have become important in the last few years as the number of American students entering engineering has stagnated. Leaders in industry and academics are increasingly concerned that the United States will lose its edge in the global marketplace.

WSU researchers from the College of Engineering and Architecture and the College of Education will work with area high school math teachers to develop curriculum materials that illustrate engineering applications relevant to students' lives.