EUGENE, Ore. -- (Oct. 8, 2009) – It's a mystery we've all encountered. One night Mr. Bear is there to be tucked in at bedtime, and the next he's nowhere to be found. What in the world happened to Mr. Bear?
For elementary-aged girls, this crime scene will play out at the White Stag Block on Thursday, Oct. 15. The younger girls will have the chance to search for clues and perform experiments to figure out who took Mr. Bear. The older elementary-aged girls will use forensic science to figure out what happened to the missing millionaire kid.
The free event, "CSI Girls: Crime Sleuthing for Curious Kids," is an opportunity for the girls and their moms (or other adult sponsor) to dig into the world of science. It is the second of the "Science Savvy Women and Girls" series taking place in October at the White Stag Block.
"Research shows that girls are more likely to study and do well in science if they have a support network. Mothers or other female caregivers that encourage them to not be afraid of science are particularly influential," said Geri Richmond, the Richard M. and Patricia H. Noyes UO professor of chemistry and the co-founder and chair of COACh, an organization that develops and provides professional development programs across the country for women in technical fields.
The girls and their moms will have a chance to sleuth through the crime scenes in the classic 'who done it?" The experiments and hands-on demonstrations will be provided by the Women in Graduate Sciences at the University of Oregon. The program will take one to two hours to complete, with participants able to drop in at any time between 4-7 p.m. A light meal and refreshments will be provided. The first 20 mother-daughter teams to register will receive a "geek prize."
"Science Savvy Women and Girls" is a series designed to help girls and women achieve their full potential in science and other technical fields. It is sponsored by the University of Oregon's Women in Technology and Science initiative.
All events are free and take place at the White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch St., Portland.
To register, visit uoregon.edu/~wits/wits/events/ or call 541-346-0116.
Upcoming "Science Savvy Women and Girls" events:
"Science Savvy Teenage Girls: Career Tips and Tactics for Technically Talented Teens"
Thursday, Oct. 22; 5:30 p.m. reception, 6-8 p.m. presentation
This evening for teenage girls, their parents and teachers will be devoted to a discussion of career options and exciting emerging opportunities for teens interested in using their talents to build careers in technically oriented fields. A panel of women scientists and engineers will lead the discussion and answer any questions including how to best prepare in high school for a technical career, things to consider when looking at colleges, and how to find colleges and universities that are particularly successful in supporting and promoting their female students.
RSVP required. Light meals and refreshments provided.
"Science Savvy: A Journey from Neuroscience to HIV/AIDS in Africa"
Thursday, Oct. 29; 5:30 p.m. reception; 6 p.m. program
Often careers lead us in unexpected pathways. This lecture follows a personal journey of Janis Weeks from a focus on teaching and research with students in the field of neuroscience at the University of Oregon, to working in rural health care facilities in Zimbabwe, a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Africa. Weeks will share her experiences from basic research in neuroscience to global health issues, and her belief that even in such isolated and resource-poor settings, antiretroviral treatment and related services provide hope for the future. The lecture will also touch on how professional careers in science need not be static, but rather can grow and change throughout one's life.
RSVP required. Light meal and refreshments provided.
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