Girls in Science

About

Girls in Science is an interdistrict initiative designed to challenge young women in middle school to enroll in high-level technology, science, technology, engineering, and math courses, while exploring careers in these areas. In “How Schools Shortchange Girls,” a report from the American Association of University Women, even girls who are highly competent in math and science are less likely to pursue technological or scientific careers than their male classmates. Girls in Science focuses on building academic skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. The students further develop their ability to solve problems in these content areas and build their confidence using hands-on, authentic activities. Professionals work closely with the participating students and provide guidance and resources to the girls.

More information

What skills will students learn in the program?
Program will build and highlight skills in math, science and technology and support a career path which requires a high degree of skills.

What content knowledge will students learn in the program?
Areas to be highlighted include but are not limited to:

• Engineering
• Computer systems
• Forensic science
• Genetic research
• Biotechnology
• Aerospace science
• Robotics

What are the dates of the program?
Tuesday, July 6- Friday, July 9

How many students are in the program?
60 max/week. There are 6 instructors.

What is the age range for students in this program?
Middle School: 12-14 (6th to 8th graders)

What if any prior knowledge is required? What is recommended?
Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math (STEM)

What if anything do students need to bring with them to the program?
Lunch.

What is the cost of the program?
$385/student

Where will the program be offered?
Greater Danbury. More details coming soon.

What is the cost of materials, if any?
To be determined.

What should parents know about this program?

• Students will expand their career knowledge about STEM
• Meet professionals
• Make new friends with similar interests
• Do fun activities that highlight career areas

What is the expected dress code?
School and weather appropriate if outdoor activities are planned.

Who do I contact for more information?
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), Center for 21st Century Skills @ EDUCATION CONNECTION

Review of Summer Camp 09

The students come from a number of different middle schools. We want them to get to know each other on the first day in order to foster teamwork. We participate in teambuilding and getting-to-know-you activities at the opening field trip to Great Hollow Wilderness. Students are randomly divided into groups, and off they go into the woods. Even with the misty weather, students learned about themselves and each other while having a great time playing games in the woods!

Day 2 began with the introduction of the Flip Video camera! This was our technology tool that we wanted to share with the students—and they got to keep it at the end of camp. Students received a lesson on how to make a documentary and a how to use the Flip camera. We also learned about astronomy and visited the John McCarthy Observatory, located on the grounds of New Milford High School. Our afternoon speaker was all about Physics. She made it fun by teaching the girls the Physics of Salsa Dancing. Instead of the streets, we were dancing in the hallways!

On Day 3, we learned how to make video games using Scratch. We then filmed ourselves creating fun games! In the afternoon, we had a presentation by a local veterinarian who is also a high school science teacher. She helped the girls get a clear view of what it’s like working with animals and some of the cases you may come across as a practicing vet. She also highlighted that your career can morph into different areas as you continue to learn and grow.

Day 4 began with a presentation by an Engineering professor at Central CT State University. Students learned about her diverse academic and career path! She has worked with utilities companies, as a computer graphics specialist, and a designer for better medical equipment, all as part of her doctoral program before working as a professor on the college level. The students made “Jitterbugs” as a way to learn about engineering concepts. As our camp’s final activity, we finished our documentaries highlighting the students’ experiences over the course of the camp, concluding with a mini-film festival. All that was missing was the popcorn!

Note from a parent after last summer’s program:

I just wanted to drop you note filled with gratitude for including my daughter…in the COSTEM program. [Her] interest in science waivered this past year, and so I was unsure whether she would connect with much in your program.

I wanted to share with you are daily surprises...Day 1: [She] comes home and gives her father salsa lessons! Day 2: [She] announces she's interested in an engineering career! Day 3: [She] comes home with a Flip video camera.

If your mission was to get teenage girls excited about Math and Science, it worked with our daughter…I have no idea if she will actually become an engineer, but three cheers for helping her discover a possible career choice that uses her skills and interests (puzzles, games, and problem solving). Thanks again, and I hope we're invited back for more!