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April 2005 Family Works Magazine Reaching for the Stars In January, when Lawrence Summers suggested genetic inferiority might explain why fewer women became scientists than men, the Harvard University President ignited a national outcry, perhaps resounding loudest in the Bay Area, the country’s premier science and engineering region. Even before the outrage fades, the local response shifts away from armchair dialog: Galileo Educational Services announces today Galileo’s Science Scholarship for Girls in cooperation with Girls Go Tech, a 3-year old initiative sponsored by the Girl Scouts of the USA. As Summers continues apologizing and deflecting resignation demands, the focus of the controversy widens, with the cultural influences that impede women from pursuing science careers taking center stage. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 4th grade, the number of girls and boys who like math and science is about the same. But by 8th grade, twice as many boys as girls show an interest in these subjects.” "Perhaps nobody will ever be able to explain exactly why the gap between boys and girls widens so much at these ages, “ states Dr. Linda Kekelis, project director of Techbridge, an afterschool technology program for girls hosted by Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland. “However, we should focus on reversing that trend. We need to spark more enthusiasm in girls for science during these crucial years and ensure that interest is maintained as they get older." Galileo Educational Services created a clear answer three years ago by pioneering Camp Galileo. “Camp Galileo is unique in that it combines museum quality science, art and outdoor programming, making it attractive to many types of kids,” explains Glen Tripp, the company’s Founder and CEO. Families support the formula enthusiastically. Parents, for instance, voted Camp Galileo “Best Camp for Kids” in Bay Area Parent magazine. The camp also surveyed parents last summer and found over 95% would recommend it to another family. “When I came to Camp Galileo I was really only interested in art. But then I found out how fun science could be,” comments Jenna Klein, age 12, who first attended the camp in 2003. “I loved solving problems and figuring out how things work. And I learned art and science didn't have to be totally separate things. I've been more open to science in school ever since, and this year I did well enough to be nominated for a special science summer program." “I’m heartened by such enthusiasm because we work hard creating and improving our program,” commented Tripp. “We start by designing high quality curriculum with distinguished educational partners. For instance, we produce a hands-on science program with The Tech Museum of Innovation. Klutz helps us design our fun, skills-based outdoor program, and we partner with Art in Action for grade-appropriate art activities. We’re also unusually selective when screening staff, hiring only 10% of applicants, including seasoned educators with college degrees. With superb talent, we adapt curriculum to engage individual children. We also continue raising the quality bar by testing new curricular ideas before each summer, and by carefully evaluating annual focus group feedback.” This summer Camp Galileo will expand to ten locations, and about half the campers will be girls. Commenting about the science curriculum, Dr. Craig Baker, VP of Learning at The Tech Museum notes, “The natural curiosity of youth can be nourished or numbed, regardless of gender. Camp Galileo creates passions for science at a critical age so that both genders become engaged by the subject.” The science program intrigues girls just as much as boys. For instance, this summer first and second graders get to build model dream homes. Decorating and positioning furniture might initially grab attention, yet science and engineering challenges quickly captivate their curious minds. “We’ll simulate the vibrations of an earthquake on a shake table, and see what loads the home can bear when trying different soil types, foundations, building materials, and structural options,” explains Tripp. “Kids spend time creating and viewing the impact of their ideas. Instead of talking about abstract ideas, we form small teams where children discover how to generate and test suspenseful hypotheses. The teams discuss what happened, what else they can try, and discover how mistakes offer as much insight as right answers. Girls respond extremely well to our socially focused team approach, and they love applauding each other.” Likewise, girls also adore the new artistic and motor skills they gain through artistic expression and outdoor programs. “Klutz has appealed to hearts and minds for many years; they especially know what girls enjoy learning and doing,” adds Tripp. In addition, more than 50% of Camp Galileo’s staff is female. To ensure wide participation, Camp Galileo will offer over 600 scholarships this summer, more than double the number offered last year. Some scholarships will be awarded to individual families who apply directly to the camp by May 1st. Meanwhile, a variety of schools and youth programs will distribute the other scholarships. Girls Go Tech, for instance, will offer 25 scholarships through the Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area. “One of the Girls Scouts main initiatives is Girls Go Tech, launched to increase girls’ interests in math and science at an early age. We aim to highlight the math, science and technology behind everyday life. Camp Galileo’s program accomplishes just that,” states Joyce Richards, CEO of the Girl Scouts of San Francisco Bay Area. Each scholarship provides the recipient a full week of camp. “Why so many scholarships?” asks Tripp. “At Camp Galileo we help children comprehend the world surrounding them, not merely physical aspects, but the social world as well. We help children discover the value of social diversity. Sure, we could increase our profit by offering fewer scholarships and accepting more paying families, yet we wouldn’t feel as enriched, nor would our campers.” Developing an early passion for science certainly makes a world of difference, yet girls eventually outgrow Camp Galileo after the 5th grade. Fortunately for parents and kids, Galileo Educational Services also partners with The Tech to offer The Tech Museum Summer Camps for youths entering 4th through 8th grades, a program that motivates and prepares kids for science success during their high school years and beyond through classes like Roller Coaster Physics, Science of Sports, and Lego Robotics. Lawrence who? Press Contact: |
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