The 20th Annual Sacred Hearts Academy Science Symposium took place on Feb. 22 for girls in grades five through eight. Featured keynote speaker, Dr. Laura Blecha, spoke to parents while STEM professionals, including Academy faculty, held hands-on workshops with students.

Students had the option of choosing two workshops from 18 involving science, technology engineering and math.

Chemistry teacher, James Bell, said, “In my workshop we did geocaching. I created a scavenger hunt around campus and let girls use compasses to find their way to the various objects. This workshop showed girls how science and math are very influential on each other.”

The symposium gave students a view of the roles and topics that are currently being focused on by women in the STEM fields.

Science teacher, Dr. Kira Krend, said, “It is incredibly important for fifth through eighth grade girls to attend hands-on workshops to learn more about the STEM fields. Studies have shown that girls make up their mind if they like science and math during these years. By the time they attend high school, they have already solidified their feelings on these subjects- they either like the subjects or they don’t.”

Blecha held a session for parents on how to motivate and encourage their daughters to go into non-traditional male-dominated careers. The session for parents included techniques to inspire their daughters to consider going into the STEM fields.

Krend said, “Exposing girls to exciting and intriguing STEM activities during such critical years can make a huge difference in their attitude toward STEM. These are the years we really ‘hook’ students in these fields that are growing extremely fast.”

The Academy has promoted STEM programs for the past twenty years. Jobs in these fields often pay higher and are growing at a rapid paste.