Sisters4Science Share Their Experiences and Knowledge
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.
Its always a good time to see the progression of the students who go through the Sisters4Science program. The work done and the connections between the students and the scientists are truly inspiring. Congratulations to the 10th class of Sisters4Science!!!