WATERLOO - Girl guides from around Waterloo Region will explore the world of engineering technology at a special event tomorrow hosted by the University of Waterloo's award-winning Engineering Science Quest program.

About 100 girl guides will spend the day on campus to learn about engineering, science and technology. The girl guides will earn their engineering badge after they participate in mind-provoking activities and experiments, and engage in discussions with engineers. During the day the girls will rotate through five or six activities, with a lunch session featuring demonstrations.

"We want to encourage young women to become more interested in engineering using a fun, hands-on approach in our educational activities," said Caity Dyck, ESQ manager. "Our mandate is to promote engineering, science and technology to students of all ages."

ESQ draws on real scientific concepts and presents them to youth entering Grades 1 to 12 in fun and creative ways. For example, ice cream is made using liquid nitrogen and "slime" is made using water, borax and glue.

Launched in 1990, ESQ offers a full year-round program, including interactive workshops, summer day camp programs and community events.

The Girl Guide Engineering Day is sponsored by ESQ, Waterloo Engineering's women in engineering committee, WE-CONNECT (Waterloo Engineering's outreach group) and ACTUA, a national organization that provides young Canadians with learning experiences in science, technology and engineering