Fred Parent Events

Science Saturdays

Click here for Science Saturdays Registration!tween-girls

Thank you Doris Buffett and the Rappahannock Community Foundation's Women and Girls Empowerment Fund! Fredericksburg Parent and Family won a partial grant to encourage girls in the 5th, 6th and 7th grade to enter careers in the math and sciences. We will be offering several classes in the coming months that are fun, fun, fun! The remaining classes will be led by Melissa Csikari, Junior-level Girl Scout volunteer with Troop 263. Csikari is a certified secondary science teacher in the state of Virginia. She is currently employed with Stafford County Public Schools and teaches Biology and AP Biology. She is also an adjunct at Germanna Community College. She earned her BS in Biology from La Roche College and her MS in Life Sciences from the University of Maryland. Prior to teaching Csikari worked as a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh.

Our next class is on Jan. 14 (Advanced Chemistry) at Colonial Forge High School from 1:00-4:00 p.m*. More classes will be announced at a later date. Class description is listed below as well as goals. It is not necessary to participate in the Girl Scout portion of the program unless desired. The charge is $20 per class. Scholarships are available. (Payment arrangements will be taken by our office over the phone.) Our grant money will cover the scholarships and has paid for some non-consumable items and teacher time. Your fee will help pay for consumable items.

Seed money for this program was originally provided by The Community Foundations Women and Girl Empowerment Fund, Doris Buffett, IEEE, Lockheed Martin, and Fredericksburg Parent and Family.

*Directions to Colonial Forge: There are two entrances to the school. You will take the 2nd entrance and park in the bus loop. There are three doors to enter on this side of the building, and you will enter through the middle door.

Advanced Chemistry Day (Jan. 14)

The students will explore the fun and fascinating world of chemistry and how it impacts their everyday lives. They will learn about the science of disposable diapers, be introduced to basic bench chemistry, make bouncy balls, and make their own crystal gardens to take home.

The day will begin with a brief introduction to chemistry and careers in chemistry then students will break out into small groups and travel to different stations to see and do chemistry in action.
Girl Scout IPP “Why in the World? Skill Builder #4” will be covered in this class. (Investigate how new synthetic materials play an important role in two or more of the following: clothing, cars, homes, toys, sports equipment, media equipment, and medicine. What materials were previously used? What are the advantages of the new materials?)

Girl Scout IPP “Why in the World? Career Exploration #1” will also be covered. (Interview at least two women in science fields. Find out how they got started. Did they have mentors? While in high school, did they have to contend with negative stereotypes about girls who like science or girls who are smart? How do they feel about the future for women in science?)

Handouts will be sent home with girls interested in completing IPP ‘Why in the World? Service Project #2”: (Help a Brownie troop or girls in a homeless shelter complete a science activity) and/or IPP “Why in the World? Skill Builder #2”:(Observe an item while it is in use. Identify its purpose, its parts, and its energy source. Using resources found in the library or on the worldwide web, draw a diagram to show how it works).

Modified from: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryforkids/Chemistry_for_Kids.htm
http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=toxicology&media=lesson&page=4&rating=3
http://www.sciencecompany.com/sci-exper/crystal_exp3.htm
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/183258.pdf


In all of the classes, attendees will practice self-efficacy skills, decision-making skills and peer-refusal skills based on the DARE to be You model adapted for these classes.

The Goals: We expect the attendees to (1) improve their scores in specific areas (including chemistry, physics, biology and engineering) as measured by pre-class and post-class tests, (2) if desired, complete the requirements for three to four Girl Scout Interest Project Patches related to science (“Why in the World”, “Inventions and Inquiry”, “Law and Order”, and “Girls Go Engineering”), as well as increase Girl Scout enrollment at the cadette level, (3) increase the number of enrollments in 8th grade advanced math and science classes and (4) show, via testing, an increased understanding of the economic impact of their career choices.

The troop also expects to obtain a list of girls who want further tutoring and assistance in pursuing science and math careers, and to develop a cadre of women scientists and Girl Scout volunteers engaged as tutors, teachers and mentors in assisting these girls.

Social Change Indicators

This project addresses the following social change indicators:
1. A redefinition or reframing of issues
We hope to encourage girls to consider careers in the sciences. Specifically we hope to get across the messages the National Academy of Sciences found the most effective in interesting girls in engineering and the sciences: a. Engineers make a world of difference; b. Engineers are creative problem-solvers, c. Engineers help shape the future.
2. A Shift in Behavior
We hope to see more girls entering math and science studies in school; pursuing math and science interest project patches in girl scouts, and joining the girl scouts as a means to study science and leadership.
3. A shift in engagement and commitment
This project involves numerous Girl Scout leaders, teachers, school counselors, school systems, parents, and women scientists. We hope to create a mentoring program composed of these volunteers that will nurture these girls as they approach college.

 

 

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#1 Patti 2011-10-29 14:50
Too bad this is just offered to girls. My son is in 5th grade and would love to attend something like this - Anything coming up for boys? My son has an interest in biomedical engineering and I think would enjoy the other topics as well! Any suggestions for these types of classes for boys would be apprecited! We have already checked out Engineering for Kids. Thank you!