Science ConferenceBreaks Down Stereotypes, Opens Possibilities

When asked to describe a scientist,most elementary school children will invariably picture a white man. Policyexperts say that stereotype often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, which, inpart, has resulted in a shortage of scientifically literate professionals,especially among women and minorities.

For the fourth consecutive year, Hamilton College will host a weekendconference for sixth grade girls and their teachers and parents. The Girls andWomen in Science Conference will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 24and 25. Due to the growing popularity of the event, the program has beenexpanded to accommodate 40 girls from schools throughout the Mohawk Valley.

The conference encourages the study of science and mathematics bymiddle-school-age girls by providing hands-on science activities for the girlsand informative speakers and workshops for parents and teachers. It isorganized and implemented by Hamilton College science faculty and staff and byHamilton undergraduate women interested in science and math.

The conference is free to girls and their teachers and parents. Funding isprovided by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the KirklandFoundation and the Office of the Dean of Faculty at Hamilton.