| Sisters4Science
2005 Report
...continued
| • |
The 2005 Leadership Retreat
took place in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin during
spring break in March. Not only did we have
a record number of 23 S4S program participants,
but Laurie Parker, a chemist and S4S presenter,
and Roberta Pondexter, a parent chaperone,
also accompanied us. During the two days,
the girls were challenged mentally and physically,
as well as socially, and had the rare opportunity
to think about how they, as S4S participants,
impact and influence the program and the world
around them. In addition to doing team building
activities and group challenges, they also
read and wrote together, all the while discussing
and reflecting upon barriers to science for
young girls and women. Experiences such as
this not only gave the girls a rare opportunity
to develop their leadership and communication
skills, but also to enhance their self-esteem. |
S4S reflecting
on how the Sisters4Science program addresses
barriers to science for women Photo: A. Patel
© Project Exploration |
S4S doing teamwork
to reach their goal at the 2005 Leadership
Retreat.
Photo: A. Patel © Project Exploration
|
I personally contributed to the team when
I listened to my other teammates ideas and didn’t
put them down. I also tried to put all the ideas
together to see how they would turn out.
I feel like if I want to grow up and be
a scientist and I was the only girl and the
men scientists tried to put me down, I would
still keep on going.
This weekend meant a lot to me… the
way that this will change me when I go back
to Chicago is just to know that I have accomplished
something in life.
| GOAL: Help develop the
girls’ identity and increase their self-esteem |
| • |
Self-development and growth
are in integral part of leadership development.
S4S was able to make a positive impact on
the girls’ self-esteem and communications
skills, as well as build their confidence
and understanding of science. |
I used to be impatient and didn’t
get along with most people, and it would take
me a long time to get to know people but now
I am patient and get along with others. Now
I know how to get to know people better, and
how to say things about them.
I used to be a control freak with uncontrollable
rage and attitude problems but now I am a S4S
and I feel like I could do anything I want and
share things in a group.
GOAL: Raise public awareness of issues facing
girls’ science education
| • |
In April, the girls participated
in the fifth annual Girls’
Health and Science Day,
a one- day conference on girls’ health
issues. In addition to participating in this
unique day, the S4S program participants helped
decide what sessions and topics to cover at
the conference. At the conference, they participated
in workshops on sexuality, reproductive health,
self-defense, and gender. They also participated
in the “Women in Science Luncheon”
where they got the opportunity have an intimate
lunch and conversation with zoologists, an
epidemiologist, and a curator, to name a few.
This luncheon has been such an important part
of the girls’ experience that in their
evaluations they have requested a separate
day just to meet and get to know women scientists. |
Jennifer learning that not all snakes bite!
Photo: A. Patel © Project Exploration
|
Women in Science Luncheon participants
Girls Health and Science Day 2005.
Photo: E. Vecchione © Project Exploration
|
GOAL: Girls’ interests drive
the curriculum
| • |
Since the girls’ interest
drive the curriculum, it was imperative to
learn that out of 55 program participants
who filled out an evaluation, 44 felt that
S4S responded to their interests “well”
or “very well.” As a result, S4S
was able to maintain its high attendance and
consistent participation in the program throughout
the year. |
S4S “Showcase of Knowledge”
| • |
The weekly classroom sessions
culminated in a “Showcase of Knowledge”
at the Chicago Children’s Museum at
Navy Pier. The girls presented their learning
in the S4S program by performing short plays
and presenting a mural to family members,
teachers, scientists, and alumni S4S members
that came out to show their support and dedication
to the program. The evening included a keynote
speech by mechanical engineer Me’lani
Joseph, and honoring of the S4S program participants
with certificates for their hard work this
past year. The following quote captures the
significance of this evening: |
My favorite S4S moment was when we were
downtown to present our play we came up with.
It was memorable for me because I was brave
enough to stand up in front of a large crowd
Kiarra and Alicia
rehearsing their play for the “Showcase
of Knowledge”
Photo: A. Patel© Project Exploration |
Alora surfing the
internet to learn what makes a good website.
Photo: A. Patel © Project Exploration |
This past year has been filled with several exciting
moments, memories, and experiences. The following
quotes summarize the overall impact that S4S had
on program participants:
S4S is where all girls should be. They
(S4S) should be in every all-girl and co-ed
schools.
I really appreciate S4S for giving me
the chance to be part of a group like this.
This has really helped me in science. I
just want to say, thank you!
S4S on the Horizon
Sisters4Science is eagerly
looking forward to the next program year.
Not only are we sustaining our work with
the existing schools, but are also expanding
the program to an additional school. In
addition, we will be laying the groundwork
for creating a formal cohort of women scientists,
Women in Science, to bolster our
work with this special group. We will work
with the WIS group to plan out the sessions
to fulfill the S4S program goals and the
participants’ interests. The group
of women will be trained on working with
minority girls and classroom management
skills. |
Rashawndria presenting
her poster on
a healthy human body based on her learning
at the Body Worlds exhibit. Photo: A. Patel©
Project Exploration |
Furthermore, we will also be hosting a separate
luncheon for program participants to interact with
women scientists. Another important addition to
the S4S program is going to be including a summer
field component, which will enhance their experience
and understanding of science and leadership.
Sisters4Science hopes that this synopsis
of our program year has informed, enhanced, and
broadened your understanding of our work—through
the lens of science of course!
Read
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Report
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