Project Exploration Blog

“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.