International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11th is International Day of Women and Girls in Science! This day puts a great focus on successful women and girls in science. Teach your child all about female scientists, and support your science-loving daughter in her pursuit of a STEM career!  Outside of the ClassroomYour child doesn’t need to learn about science solely in the classroom. It’s important to give her the opportunity to learn outside of a school environment. She can seek an extracurricular activity that allows her scientific exploration. For instance, an after-school program in the subjects of robotics or forensics. Video GamesYes, you should encourage your child to play video games! Certain video games like Minecraft can help your child understand science better. This popular game has encouraged grade-schoolers to learn more about the science of coding, which promotes problem-solving, creativity, and analysis. Minecraft will allow her to customize worlds using virtual building blocks and learn about programming while she plays.Join HerExplore with your child so she knows you support her. Sharing your curiosity will motivate her and you’ll be able to find answers together. Take a trip to a science center, botanical garden, or a national park, or sign up for a coding class. Be as engaged as she is and go at her pace, asking her questions about what she sees. Introduce her to female engineers, biologists, and doctors. Remind her that science is used every day, even in baking or building LEGOs, so she maintains a positive attitude towards the study of science.Women in ScienceFemale scientists are positive role models for your daughter. Research women who have pursued STEM careers and changing the world. Here just a few women to recognize and celebrate:

• Tiera Guinn: Tiera Guinn is a 21-year-old scientist who hasn’t even graduated from college yet. However, this aerospace major with a 5.0 GPA works as a Rocket Structural Design and Analysis Engineer and is helping build a rocket for NASA.

• Marie Curie: Perhaps one of the most renowned physicists and chemists in history, Marie Curie was a Polish scientist who became the head of the physics lab at Sorbonne in the early 1900s. A Nobel Prize winner, she pioneered research in radioactivity.

• Jane Goodall: Jane Goodall is the most famous primate scientist in history and is known for her work with chimpanzees. A champion for animal rights, she climbs trees in Tanzania to study chimps in their natural habitat.

• Mae C. Jemison: Mae C. Jemison became the first black female astronaut who went to space in 1992. Prior to the space program, she was a medical doctor and served in the Peace Corps.

• Jennifer Doudna: Jennifer Doudna helped develop CRISPR, the genetic-engineering method that treats sickle cell anemia, HIV, Huntington’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.

With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a private school in Titusville, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.