Girls & Science Encourages Next Generation Of Scientists
DENVER (CBS4) - Thousands of young girls and their families came out to CBS4's Girls & Science event at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Saturday. The fair featured nearly 30 clubhouses where visitors could learn about various STEAM careers, that's science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
"Can I ask you what your favorite part of today was so far?" CBS4's Lauren Whitney asked one young girl.
"My favorite part of today was getting to walk around and see all the different science exhibits for girls," replied Bayley, who is 11-years old.
Home Advisor hosted a clubhouse called Homey's Build an App. Volunteers worked with visitors to help them dream up and work out their own app technology.
"I made a skiing app where you have to jump over rocks, and you get to go under bridges," said Maddie, an 8-year old.
PHOTO GALLERY: Girls & Science
"What did you learn today that you didn't know before?" Whitney asked Maddie.
"Something that I didn't know before is that you can make apps. I thought you could only buy them from other people," Maddie replied.
"Most of them already have this interest, love science, mathematics, engineering, and they're coming to check out the fantastic clubhouses that are here," said Colleen Carter, the Education Collections Assistant Manager at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
There were arts and craft projects where children could make satellites out of Styrofoam cups and pipe cleaners. Experts gave demonstrations in how to use binoculars for bird watching. There were lessons on soil erosion and water movement through sub-terrain.
"What we really want is for parents, grandparents, siblings to see these women in their careers and support these girls as their interests develop," Carter explained.
"I got to go on the big green screen," said Amaiah, a 10-year old.
Whitney hosted the CBS4 Weather Lab clubhouse, where girls got the chance to see what it's like being a meteorologist on TV. The green screen is harder than it looks.
"Can I ask you what your favorite part of being here today is?" Whitney asked another young girl.
"Maybe being on the green screen," replied Kendall, a 12-year old.
Many members of the CBS4 news team were on hand to help make rain gauges and cloud finders. Statistics show that girls are just as interested in math and science as boys right up until about 5th grade.
"Somehow late elementary school into middle school we lose them. And what this event does hopefully is as these girls age it reminds them of the really interesting careers that are out there," Carter explained.
"I learned that chocolate actually grows on trees," 8-year old Kennedi told CBS4.
Girls & Science offered a wide array of lessons all in the hopes of encouraging the next generation of scientists.
Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.
