Registration opens for the 2014 All-Girls Science Club

January 13, 2014

WHITEHORSE – Registration has opened for girls in grades 5-7 for the 2014 All-Girls Science Club. Eight sessions will run bi-weekly on Saturday mornings at Yukon College from late January to May.

This year’s theme is the science of health. The club offers plenty of hands-on science experiments and fun activities relating to anatomy, epidemiology, occupational therapy, nutrition, blood typing, sports medicine and community health education. As well, interesting guests will speak about their careers in science.

“Research has shown that North American girls fall behind in science education not because of a lack of interest, but a lack of exposure,” said Lori LaRochelle, Science Adventures at Yukon College. “This program helps the girls to feel more capable and more welcome in the world of science, technology, engineering and math.”

Eleven-year-old Kelda Lewis participated in the program last year and her father is pleased with the results. "She was excited about going every time. The club gives girls an opportunity to showcase their ideas without being distracted by the boys," said Danny Lewis.

Funding for the 2014 All-Girls Science Club has been provided by Actua, Yukon Youth Investment Fund, Yukon Women’s Directorate, West Coast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology, and the Science Adventures at Yukon College.

The fee for the entire program is $150 and some bursaries are available for families for whom the registration fee is a financial difficulty. There are only 20 spaces in this program and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Details and registration forms are available at www.scienceadventures.ca/.

Science Adventures engages students, teachers and the community in the exploration of science and technology. Activities include the Yukon/Stikine Regional Science Fair, the Annual Bridge Building Competition, Stay-A-Day at Yukon College, and the All-Girls Science Club. Science Adventures also provides support to teachers, volunteers and parents to promote the fun of science and technology to students through access to science speakers, resources, community connections, special events, and field trips. Core funding is provided by NSERC PromoScience.