March 2014: SoundWaters, Girls & Science
Winter break held special meaning for 60 girls in grades 3 – 7, who analyzed fish respiration,dissected squid, observed horseshoe crab eggs under a microscope, and tested water quality during a week-long Science Stars learning program at the SoundWaters Coastal Center. These hands-on experiences were just a few of the rigorous sessions that engaged the girls through experimentation, inquiry, analysis and interactions with female scientists.
And then there was the sheer joy that accompanied discovery.
“I got it! I got mine! Victory!” shouted 8-year-old Lea Jean-Pierre, a Hart Magnet School 3rd grader as she pulled the esophagus from the squid she was dissecting and held it up for all to see. Even more startling was the absence of expected revulsion among young girls who were handling squishy, slimy squid. When later asked about their favorite experiment during the week, many girls answered, “dissecting the squid.”
Counting fish breaths offered a different learning opportunity as the girls investigated how low and high oxygen levels affect the rate that fish breathe, and what that difference means. “They probably have more breaths in low oxygen because they have to work harder,” hypothesized Deanna Gladstone, a 6th grader at Scofield Elementary. The experiment proved her to be right: The girls observed first-hand the stress that fish undergo when oxygen is low.
The program, which is free for the girls, is funded in part by Peoples United Community Foundation, Purdue Pharma L.P. and an FCCF donor-advised fund.
Research of girls and science abounds with studies concluding that attitude, not aptitude, keeps girls from pursuing futures in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For example, the U.S. Department of Education has found that girls who have a strong self-concept regarding their abilities in math or science are more likely to choose and perform well in elective math and science courses and to select math and science-related college majors and careers.
Science Stars addresses this issue by inviting female scientists to interact with the girls and share stories about their professions, education, and early interest in science. “I loved science as a kid; I watched Mr. Wizard and did experiments at home,” said Kristen Higgins, senior scientist at Sun Products Corporation. As for the gender gap? “That’s why I like doing this program. We have a lot of chemists and they’re all guys. We need more women.”
According to responses from parents, the week-long program captured the imaginations of these young Science Stars and set a foundation for longer term pursuits. “My daughter loved the hands-on experience,” said one mother. “She kept me updated everyday on what she learned, and told everyone in our family.” Another noted how much her daughter had grown: “She got more confident and met new friends; she loves science even more now.”
