Story Idea: Getting girls interested in math/science

Getting girls interested in math/science

You've read in the news about President Obama's “Educate to Innovate” campaign, which calls attention to American students’ lackluster math and science performance compared to other countries and what it may mean for the country’s future. So how can this trend be turned around? In part, by capturing the interest of middle school students, in particular girls, and continuing that interest into the college years.

Who says there’s no chemistry between girls and math and science? At the all-women’s Saint Mary’s College, math and science has been part of the curriculum for more than a century. But getting girls interested in careers in math and science must happen long before they go to College, according to studies. “Research shows that right around fifth or sixth grade they decide whether or not they are going to—I don’t want to say ‘pursue the sciences’—but they decide whether or not they’re going to be ‘okay’ with science,” says Professor of Biology and Department Chair Nancy Nekvasil.

Opportunities to encourage students in math and science abound at Saint Mary's College, with separate events on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, plus two new Summer Academy camps in July in forensic and environmental sciences.

On February 19 at 7:30 p.m. in O’Laughlin Auditorium, Mad Science Productions presents CSI: LIVE!, an exciting journey through the fascinating world of crime scene investigation, based on the popular television series CSI. This family-friendly, interactive production will engage girls and boys alike (not to mention adults) as they take on the task of solving a baffling crime. Click here  for box office information.

The next day, February 20, in an unrelated event, 125 seventh and eighth grade girls, chosen by their science teachers at schools throughout the area, will participate in Hypatia Day. The event, unique to Saint Mary’s College, encourages middle-school students to stick with their math and science studies. The day is named for the first known female mathematician, Hypatia of Alexandria. Hypatia was born in 370 A.D., the daughter of the mathematician and philosopher Theon, who trained her in math at a time when girls didn’t receive such education.

This July, girls entering grades 8-12 will have two fun learning opportunities for math and science through Summer Academy offerings in forensic science (July 11-16) and environmental science (July 18-23). For information on Summer Academy, click here.

Saint Mary's College offers many math and science related undergraduate degrees, including a dual degree in Engineering program with the University of Notre Dame.

Media: If you are interested in pursuing a story about encouraging girls in their interest in math and science, contact Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations at gobrien@saintmarys.edu or (574) 284-4579. She can arrange interviews with Saint Mary’s professors and/or event coordinators and/or College students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or math. Read more by clicking here.

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study. Saint Mary’s College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top 100 liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE.