Girls rule at annual
science seminarSixth- to eighth-graders can take
part in 20 hands-on workshops
Girls in grades six through eight from across the state will converge on the campus of Sacred Hearts Academy next Saturday to take part in the 10th Annual Science Symposium for Girls, a free event that is open to the public.
"Our goal in offering it for the 10th year now is to excite girls to go into science, math and technology careers," said Remee Bolante, vice principal of Sacred Hearts. "Anything boys can do, girls can do also, and sometimes even better!"
Students may choose among 20 hands-on workshops, including "Snap, Crackle, Pop," which explores electricity, "Chemistry and Art Produce Butterflies" and "Be Cool! Explore the North Pole." The symposium runs from 8 to 11:20 a.m. and participants must register in advance.
Parents are also invited. While the girls are in workshops, their parents will attend a session with adolescent psychologist Emma Pavich, who will offer her tips on raising "competent, confident, and caring" girls.
As many as 450 girls and 200 parents attend each year. This year's keynote speaker is Nainoa Thompson, navigator and sail master of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Students each attend two workshops, which will be run by professionals including a veterinarian, an oceanographer, a videographer, a geologist, a dentist and several teachers.
"The 10 best overall jobs in terms of salary, work environment and prestige are in math and computer-related fields," said symposium coordinator Andrea Hamilton. "It's important that girls step up and compete for those high-paying jobs in math, science and technology."
Each participant will receive a free T-shirt. The symposium is sponsored by the Augustine Educational Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., First Hawaiian Bank and the University of Hawaii Engineering Association.
To register, call Andrea Hamilton at 734-5058, extension 229, as soon as possible.