The faculty of engineering at the University of Victoria is opening its doors this weekend to showcase the range of innovative inventions emerging from its various departments.

The free event on Saturday (Oct. 4) is one of many 25th anniversary celebrations the faculty is hosting this year.

“It’s a great chance to see what the university is up to and maybe see engineering and computer science in a new way,” said Margaret Gwyn, faculty recruitment officer. “People have this impression that we all just sort of sit in offices at computers and never do anything else. It’s a chance to see us in action, see how exciting (the field) really is and, perhaps, see how you too could get involved.”

There will be displays from about 30 to 40 different groups within the faculty plus interactive activites. For example, people will have the opportunity to build robots and see if they can knock down bowling pins, said Gwyn. The computer science department will showcase exercise bikes that have been modified to interact with a video game. Cyclists steer a car and, the faster they pedal, the faster the vehicle moves. It’s helping kids to exercise while playing, added Gwyn.

The mechanical engineering department will also be demonstrating a fuel cell scooter, while the electrical and computer engineering department showcases its work with fiberoptics. A variety of different student groups will showcase their work as well.

“There’s a group that designs race cars and a group that designs submarines. Others are more social outreach groups,” Gwyn said. “There’s a group that encourages women in engineering and computer science and a group that builds devices for people who are handicapped.”

The open house takes place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the engineering and computer science building. A fundraising lunch will be held by students to raise money for their activities.

“Come to the engineering building, walk into the lobby and we’ll lead you from there,” said Gwyn.

For more information on the faculty’s anniversary events, visit http://www.engr.uvic.ca/25.

kschoenit@oakbaynews.com