Women in Science Day is an annual event that brings 275 7th grade girls from around the area to the Washburn campus for a day of experiments, comradery and a quiz show. This year we have students from Shawnee Heights, Washburn Rural, St. Matthews, Chase County, Southwest Middle School, Holy Family Catholic School, Christ the King, Mater Dei, Most Pure Heart of Mary, Perry Lecompton, Wabaunee JH, and a few homeschoolers from Lawrence. Studies indicate girls perform as well as boys in math and science throughout elementary school, but begin to lose interest in such courses in junior high and high school. Presentations will be made by proffessional female scientists and the girls will be able to participate in hands-on laboratory activities. Some of the labs include building a volcano, writing computer code, forensic analysis, isolating DNA from stawberries, walking through the water cycle and mixing pharmaceutical compounds. Dr. Erin Petro is the State Public Health Veterinarian at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and will give the keynote address to all participants at 9:30 am.
Contact:
Dr. Susan Bjerke
785-670-2078
susan.bjerke@washburn.edu
