Purdue News

Future female scientists converge on Purdue

The conference, called "Expanding Your Horizons in Science and Mathematics," is designed to provide hands-on information about math and science-related careers. Special workshops for parents and educators also are available.

Students choose between 33 workshops where they will receive information about various careers, including animal health science, behavioral and social sciences, business and finance, computer sciences, human health sciences, law enforcement and sports and fitness. Workshops include:

• Science and Math in City Hall -- Future politicians learn the importance of science and math in government work from West Lafayette Mayor Sonya Margerum.
  
• Mathematicians Playing With Soap Bubbles -- Participants will work with two math professors to make two- and three-dimensional soap bubbles.
  
• Fire! Fire! -- Diana Hardy, a Purdue firefighter and emergency medical technician, will show the girls what it takes to be a firefighter and let them handle the equipment at the Purdue fire station.

• Fun With Liquid Crystals -- Participants will make mood rings.
  The conference, sponsored by Purdue's Department of Chemistry and Iota Sigma Pi, a national honor society for women in chemistry, is part of a national effort to motivate young women to take advanced math and science courses in junior high and high school.

Though registration for this year's event is closed, parents may contact Kay Conner, academic adviser in Purdue's Department of Chemistry and conference coordinator, (765) 494-7128, for information about next year's event.

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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