Girls* in Science
Girls* in Science is a free program designed to allow middle-school students learn about science by experiencing the practice of science. Participants tackle their own research experiments, learn a variety of field and/or bench techniques, have fun, and meet new friends. The programs run Monday - Thursday, from 9:30 - 3:30, for two weeks.
At Girls* in Science, it is our mission to make science accessible to those who have been historically excluded. This includes girls, people of color, and people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. While in the past, Girls in Science was focused on outreach to girls in our community, we wanted to do better. As such, we have expanded our program (now Girls* in Science) and wish to make it clear that this program is for everyone, and that all middle-school students, regardless of sex, are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
2023 Programs:
In order to best meet the needs and interests of participants, in 2023 we will offer three programs, described below. While technically new, these programs are really pulling our best activities and experiences from past programs and creating space for new complementary opportunities.
Chemistry & Forensic Science
June 5 - 15
Includes an examination of forensic chemistry, including detection of samples, fingerprinting, and other biological sample collection and examination.
Exercise Science
June 19 - 29
Includes an exploration of movement, exercise, kinesiology, and the metabolic processes that contribute to the success of these movements.
Biology: Unseen Science
July 10 - 20
Includes basic microbiology and parasitology, genetics, and exploring patterns in wildlife behavior.
Past Program Foci:
Biology
This program is focused largely on the skills and techniques used daily in the Lane-deGraaf lab: genetics and population genetics, microbiology, parasitology, modeling, coding, and animal behavior.
Ecology
This program is heavy on two things: field work and math. Unique to the Ecology program, kids bicycle to Forest Park almost daily (unless storming) to set up experiments, quantify biodiversity in the park, and learn the tools of field work: sampling, measuring, and tracking.
Chemistry
This program is centered around anchoring everyday actions in chemistry. Participants explore energy applications, including synthesizing biodiesel and solar cells, and food chemistry. Along the way, kids learn a variety of traditional chemistry lab techniques and skills, including titration, distillation, spectrophotometry, chromotography, and calorimetry.
Physics
This program focuses on exploring the mechanics of movement and the interaction of forces in your everyday world. Participants experiment with gravity and calculate pressures. Scale of the universe and movement of the planets are also explored.
Forensics
This program has kids exploring three major aspects of forensic biology - genetics, including DNA extraction and genotyping; entomology, and fingerprint analysis.
Proper lab technique and data management are emphasized.
Animal Behavior
This program focuses on studying facets of animal behavior. Kids experiment with local wildlife and make visits to the Saint Louis Zoo to observe wildlife in captivity.
Ethical observation and experimental methods are emphasized.