Girls to attend 'Women in Science Day'
|
|
September 26, 2013 |
Women in Science Day will bring about 200 high
school sophomores together at the University of
Idaho Coeur d’Alene Center October 1- 2. The
program is designed to inspire young women to
pursue careers in STEM areas (science,
technology, engineering and math).
“Girls do as well or better than boys on science
and math standardized tests through middle and
high school, but fewer of them show interest in
fields once they get to college,” said Mark
Nielsen, associate dean of the UI College of
Science. “In fact, even though more young women
now go on to college than young men, they are
still underrepresented in a lot of STEM majors.
With a projected shortage of science and math
expertise in the US workforce, we need to
motivate more young women to choose STEM
careers.”
Women is Science is a hands-on learning program
to expose high school sophomores to the
application of science in the real world and
show them its relevance to their lives and the
community.
“As a society we are dependent on materials and
natural resources with current manufacturing
practices. Students will learn the science and
engineering behind ensuring one of our most
valuable resources, water, is environmentally
sustainable,” said Anne Kern, associate
professor of science education.
As water quality is a global and local issue,
the program focuses on regional water quality.
Participants will learn about water quality
monitoring and testing, and perform experiments
and simulations while mentored by female
scientists from both the academic and private
sector.
Women in Science Day is a partnership between
the University of Idaho and North Idaho College,
which has been held in Coeur d’Alene for six
years.
"I hope the young women walk away thinking
science is more than facts, theories, laws, test
tubes and stethoscopes. It about doing and they
can do it,” said Kern.
Teachers recommend students to participate in
Women in Science Day based on their interest and
aptitude in the STEM areas. Students from Coeur
d’Alene, Post Falls, Lake Pend Oreille, Boundary
County, West Bonner, Lakeland, Kellogg and
Plummer/Worley school districts will attend the
program. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
