2005 Year in Review

Science Siesta Targets 4th-6th Grade Girls

University of Illinois Extension invites girls in grades 4-6 to participate in the 4th annual Science Siesta! This pajama party program will be held at the Discovery Center Children’s Museum & Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL this May.

Research has shown that girls begin to lose interest in science during their middle school years. While this occurs for many reasons, two primary reasons are that:
1)Girls don’t see themselves as scientists because they have very few female role models.
2)Girls perceive science as being “difficult” or “not fun.”

Science Siesta is designed to help change these perceptions by providing girls in the target age group with the unique opportunity to interact with women scientists from throughout northern Illinois and engage in intriguing hands-on science activities. The program will also include time for the girls to enjoy the exhibits at the host sites. Participating girls may choose from two workshop tracks for breakout sessions. Each track is based on University of Nebraska’s WONDERWISE curriculum and highlights the work of a specific woman scientist. The first track will feature a veterinarian and will address the varied work vets do, as well as the things they must learn to be successful. The second track will feature an urban ecologist who uses all of her observation skills to learn about the way living things interact in urban environments.

In addition to the breakout sessions, a scientist reception featuring several female scientists from northern Illinois will be held. The reception will expose participants to a number of additional science-based careers.

Science Siesta will begin with registration at 5 p.m. on May 13 and will conclude at 8:30 a.m. on May 14. The registration fee of $30 includes a t-shirt, dinner, breakfast, snacks, admission to the Discovery Center Museum and Burpee Natural History Museum, and many fun activities. Registration for the event is limited to 160 girls and will close no later than April 22. Registrations will not be accepted until after March 1st. If you are serious about attending, act quickly. This event is expected to fill up. Registration materials are available in the Ogle County Extension office, 815/732-2191, 421 W. Pines Rd., Suite 10, Oregon, IL 61061. They may also be downloaded off the Internet from the following website: Registration Forms.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 19, 2005