In Waterville, Maine, local high school students are coming together for a special event in a classroom setting different from their usual routine.
Associate Biology Professor Allison Moloney from Thomas College expressed how excited and slightly nervous the students are to be part of the 2nd annual Girls in Science Day.
Compared to last year’s pilot program with 20 participants, this year almost 100 students are involved in activities related to forensic science, chemistry, or biology. These educational sessions are led by current Thomas College students training to become teachers.
Sophie Damon, a secondary education student, shared her experience teaching a chemistry lab activity and how grateful she is for the opportunity to contribute to the event.
College students played a significant role in designing the engaging activities, aiming to make science concepts more enjoyable for young participants.
Katy McIntyre, a student teacher involved in last year’s event, highlighted the positive growth in interest seen among young girls participating in Girls in Science Day.
McIntyre emphasized the importance of representation for girls in the field of science and how it can encourage them to explore and pursue such opportunities.
Research supports the idea that when girls see themselves represented in a field, they are more likely to not only try it but also continue with it, as mentioned by Moloney.
Moloney’s aspiration is to see Girls in Science Day expand further in the upcoming years, fostering interest and awareness among female students.
