Project Exploration Blog

The Sisters4Science of Perspectives Charter School - Rodney D. Joslin

Sisters4Science is not just about learning and experiencing science with professional women scientists – it’s about students sharing their interests, thoughts, and knowledge with their community. It’s about young African American and Latina women being recognized for working together to find out more about their everyday world.

That’s why the Sisters4Science students of Young Women’s Leadership Charter School and Perspectives Charter School – Rodney D. Joslin hosted culminating events called “Reflection of Knowledge” at each of their schools. These annual events are an opportunity for the girls to share their experiences after spending every week with each other and a female scientist in meaningful and interesting ways.

Temia, De'Nye, Morgan, and K'Maja describe the communication skills they gained from the retreat.

On Monday, April 27, Morgan, K’Maja, De’Nye, and Temia of Young Women’s Leadership Charter School presented their favorite sessions to an audience of parents and Project Exploration staff and supporters. Morgan, a future forensic scientist, shared a journal entry she wrote about Lisa Gilbert-Hill, a latent print examiner who has been a role model and inspiration to Morgan through the various sessions that she has facilitated. K’Maja pointed out the interesting things she learned about the universe from Kim Coble, an astrophysicist at Chicago State Univeristy. When Christian Greer, Senior Director of Teaching and Learning at Project Exploration, asked K’Maja to consider where she would like space travel to go, K’Maja responded, “Jupiter!”  Temia (future chemist) and De’Nye (future criminal justice lawyer) described the team-building, trust, and communication skills they gained from the outdoor leadership retreat.

6th grade student Micah shares her experiences from her favorite session - engineering!

The following day, approximately 40 parents, teachers, administrators, and Project Exploration staff joined the Sisters4Science at Perspectives Charter School – Rodney D. Joslin for their Reflection of Knowledge. It was incredibly inspiring to listen to the girls tell their stories about their favorite sessions and most valuable experience through the program. Overall, what the girls enjoyed the most about the program was the opportunity to decide what they wanted to study and to work with professional women scientists. The chance to make Sisters4Science girl-driven clearly gave the young women a sense of ownership of the program.

Thank you to the Sisters4Science students and all the Women in Science members that have worked together in meaningful ways every week. Thank you also to Ms. Cichon at Perspectives Charter School and to Ms. Grimes at Young Women’s Leadership Charter School for helping to manage the program at the school. Project Exploration is grateful for the support of all the parents, teachers, principals, and scientists that support the program.

Rolonda and Nyeelah with their beautiful poster on their favorite session...chemistry!

Our wonderful after-school science and leadership program, Sisters4Science, is winding down for the academic year. After so many great sessions with scientists, the girls have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with their friends, families, teachers, and community. Last Thursday, April 22, Sisters4Science participated in Reavis’ Showcase for Extended Day Learning. This school-wide event highlights all the amazing programs in which Reavis students participate after-school, such as cooking, writing, martial arts, and of course…Sisters4Science!

April tells her friend about the reptiles that visited S4S this year.

To prepare for the event, the Sisters4Science girls made posters about their favorite session and practiced their public speaking skills. Eighth grader Rolonda had a great idea! She suggested that every group thinks of a question to draw the public into the presentation. For example, 8th grader April and 6th grader Kayla asked guests, “Would you like to know the difference between reptiles and amphibians?” Eighth grader Madison’s question was, “Would you like to know how to make pop from juice and dry ice?”

After presenting their favorite sessions to guests, the Sisters4Science students participated in a school-wide assembly on after-school programs. We were all excited to see Project Exploration’s friend and supporter, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle at the Reavis Showcase!

Ariel explains some differences between birds and bats to a guest.

Thank you to the Sisters4Science at Reavis for a wonderful year. We can’t wait to begin the program again in the Fall!

“One thing I have learned is that I can make new friends by just being myself.” Mianna, 7th grade, Perspectives Charter School - Calumet Middle School

“I’ve learned that helping others is only a different way of helping yourself. I’ve learned kindness can be the key in any situation. If you swallow your pride and let your mind flow in the way of the wind, amazing things can happen.”  K’Maja, Team Leader, 8th grade, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School

“Connection is a skill that I will take back with me and trust, because it’s always good to have someone to trust.” Tamia, 7th grade, Reavis Elementary School

“I have learned that sometimes being a follower and putting forth ideas can help you be a leader.” De’Nye, 8th grade, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School

These are some of the thoughtful reflections of thirteen Sisters4Science students that participated in the annual Outdoor Leadership Retreat on Saturday, February 27 – Sunday, February 28 at JCYS – Camp Henry Horner. These amazing young women are participants of the Sisters4Science program in three schools: Perspectives Charter School – Calumet Middle School, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School, and Reavis Elementary School.

Mianna takes part in a trust fall activity with her team members.

Over the weekend, the girls participated in intensive leadership and team-building activities, specifically focused on developing their communication and trust skills. After each activity, the girls reflected on their experience, shared their thoughts, and welcomed the next challenge.

With their eyes closed and without speaking, the girls had to lower a circular rope into a star. It's much harder than it looks and takes a lot of teamwork!

In addition to the leadership activities, students were joined by Women in Science members Lisa Gilbert-Hill from the Illinois State Police and Sara ElShafie, an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago. Both Lisa and Sara have facilitated numerous Sisters4Science sessions so the girls were thrilled to spend the weekend with them. Lisa engaged the girls in a hands-on forensic science activity in which team leader, K’Maja, played an excellent role as the suspect! Students learned how to identify latent prints through the patterns of whorls, loops, and arches. They also used shoe treadwear analysis to examine and identify our suspect’s shoe print. In the evening, the girls embarked on a night hike through the pine forest under a nearly full moon. Even though the snow was deep, the Sisters4Science students enthusiastically learned about night vision and why winter green mints make “lightning” in their mouths – triboluminscence!

Temia and Sara ElShafie compare a shoe to the treadwear prints held by Lisa Gilbert-Hill.

Congratulations to the following Sisters4Science students for participating in this wonderful science and leadership opportunity!

Perspectives Charter School – Middle School Campus:

• Mianna A., 7th grade
• Brittany C., 7th grade
• Nafatari H., 8th grade
• Nailah H., 7th grade
• Dilyleah H., 8th grade
• Kaylor O., 8th grade
• Megan P., 8th grade

Young Women’s Leadership Charter School:

• K’Maja B., 8th grade
• Morgan H., 8th grade
• Temia H., 7th grade
• De’Nye H., 8th grade

Reavis Elementary School:

• Laurel D., 7th grade
• Tamia W., 7th grade

Power in Numbers: With the combined strength of their single hands, all the Sisters4Science girls lift Morgan.