What: The inner workings of everyday machines such as a car engine, an automobile transmission, a computer, a copy machine, a dishwasher and a washing machine are probed in an experimental class at the University of California, Davis, designed to encourage women to pursue careers in engineering. Informally called "How Things Work," the hands-on class introduces first- and second-year students in the College of Engineering to practical "puttering" experience with mechanical and electrical devices. For the first time, one of this year's two class sections includes men. The class aims to address a key factor in bolstering the relatively low number of professional women engineers -- retaining women in college engineering programs. The unique aspects of this class include its mostly female teaching team, one all-female section, a collaborative classroom environment and discussions of gender issues in science and engineering. Reporters will have an opportunity to interview the students as well as the teaching team: Jeannie Darby, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering; Jerry Henderson, professor emeritus of aeronautical and mechanical engineering; and Karen McDonald, associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science. Also on hand will be Karen Mack, director of the UC Davis Center for Women In Engineering. When: Wednesday, March 15 3:30-5 p.m. Where: 1230A Bainer Hall, north side of the building College of Engineering Visuals: For final projects, both sections of students will present different disassembled devices and explain how they work, including a car engine, an automobile transmission, a computer, a copy machine, a dishwasher and a washing machine. Directions: Take the UC Davis exit off of Interstate 80 and head toward the main campus. Turn left at La Rue, right on Bioletti Way and right on Bainer Hall Drive. Parking: Park in lot 44. News media may park in most places on campus for free, if vehicles are marked or a business card is placed on the dashboard.