Workshop to encourage girls in science
By Samantha Watson : May 6th, 2013
A hands-on workshop on global climate change will take place at The University of Toledo to increase girls’ interest in math and science.
“Research has shown that around the middle school years, girls begin to lose interest in pursuing math and science,” said Dr. Rupali Chandar, UT associate professor of astronomy. “We want to help girls hold onto this interest by reminding them that science and learning are fun.”
Girls in Science 2013 will take place Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UT when students in fifth through 12th grade will have the chance to learn about the sun and its impact on Earth and nearby planets in the Ritter Planetarium and the basics of alternative energy research going on at the University by touring one of the photovoltaic labs.
There will be several faculty, staff and students speaking with the girls and helping them with various activities, including creating a homemade solar cell.
“This event provides a great opportunity for middle school girls to hang out together and learn about science through hands-on experiments, lectures and well-designed science videos,” Chandar said.
Only 24 girls may participate in this event, and registration is first-come, first-served.
All materials and lunch are included with registration. Funding for this event is provided by the National Science Foundation.
To register a student, contact Alex Mak, associate planetarium director, at 419.530.4641 or alexander.mak@utoledo.edu.