This year marks the sixth year for the Sally Ride Science Festivals. More than 50 festivals have been held in cities throughout the country. Each festival has attracted hundreds of girls and parents for a day of science, socializing, and fun.
This year's event will feature a talk by Ride and Maria Zuber, geophysicist and the first woman to head the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Discovery Workshops will be led by women professionals ranging from veterinarians to rocket scientists to microbiologists, and a street fair will include booths and exhibits, demonstrations, food, music, and drawings for prizes. Additionally, an adult program for parents and teachers will focus on topics such as reinforcing hands-on science instruction, science resources for girls, and gender equity.
The festivals are organized by Sally Ride Science, a company founded by astronaut Sally Ride to support the large numbers of girls who are, or might become, interested in science, math, and technology. The company creates innovative science experiences for girls that empower them, engage them, and encourage their interests. Current programs include Sally Ride Science Festivals, TOYchallengeê, Sally Ride Science Camps, and Sally Ride Science After-School Clubs. Sally Ride Science also publishes quality resource materials that educate, entertain, and inspire upper elementary and middle school girls and boys in science, math, and technology. Its books and activities bring role models to life and show kids that science is creative, collaborative, fascinating, and fun.
Northrop Grumman Foundation is a national sponsor for Sally Ride Science Festivals. Additional festival sponsors include lead sponsor International Rectifier, Lockheed Martin, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Caltech.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with check-in and the street fair, and ends at 4:15 p.m. The cost is $18 in advance and includes lunch and all festival activities and materials. Advance registration is required.
Teachers, parents, and students can register and learn more about the festival by visiting www.SallyRideFestivals.com or by calling (800) 561-5161. To learn more about Sally Ride Science, visit http://www.sallyridescience.com.
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Media Contacts: Toni DiMartino tonidimartino@hotmail.com (212) 947-8845 Deborah Williams-Hedges debwms@caltech.edu (626) 395-3227
Visit the Caltech Media Relations website at http://pr.caltech.edu/media
Written by Deborah Williams-Hedges