March 2008 — News

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Festival To Bring Hands-on Science to Northern California Students

by Dave Nagel

Extra Credit
STEM Equity?

According to research, while girls in elementary and secondary grades match or outperform boys in science and math, they nevertheless drop off significantly when it comes time to pursue STEM-focused majors in higher education and science-related careers.

One report suggests a little encouragement could go a long way to rectifying this inequitable situation.

--D. Nagel

In an effort to spark interest in science among elementary and middle school students--particularly girls--Sally Ride Science is holding a festival March 29 at Santa Clara University in Northern California that will feature hands-on science, workshops, and socialization opportunities for students and teachers alike.

Sally Ride Science, a provider of science content for education, is headed up by Sally Ride, former NASA astronaut and first American woman in space. Ride is also an advocate of STEM equity, the goal of which is to encourage girls and women to pursue science-related careers and education.

Said Dan Lewis, an SCU associate professor of engineering and campus coordinator for the festival, "Our continued partnership with Sally Ride Science provides an opportunity to help today's youth discover the fun and excitement of science and engineering. Women and minorities are under-represented in the discipline, and the nation's future economic competitiveness demands that we increase the number of people who choose to pursue a career in technology. We see the Festival as another opportunity to help make a positive impact on that situation."