TOPEKA, Kan. – Over 300 seventh-grade girls from across Topeka participated in Washburn University’s 18th annual Women in Science Day, an event designed to immerse young females in STEM activities. The day provided participants with hands-on experiences that highlighted various scientific concepts.
“When they get to do it hands-on and actually see the results, you can kind of see this spark,” said Susan Bjerke, an Associate Professor of Biology at Washburn University. “They get excited about being able to do science and not just learn it.”
Students engaged in interactive labs, which included making plastic from milk, simulating hail and tornadoes, and isolating strawberry DNA. Aliyah Franklin, a student from French Middle School, emphasized the importance of such experiences, stating, “I think it’s important because then we get more understanding of science and get more hands-on activities if at your school you don’t do hands-on activities.” She noted that these experiences can inspire girls to pursue science careers they might not have considered previously.
Participants expressed that the hands-on approach allowed them to see the relevance and excitement of science in the real world. Lilly Ahumaga, a student from Washburn Rural Middle School, remarked, “I think it definitely sparks interest to especially young girls… Science can really help people and help just the world in general.”
The event also served as a platform for female scientists to lead experiments, providing role models for the attending girls. Bjerke noted, “Sometimes we get them back as students years later… A lot of the labs are led by female scientists, so they can see that this is something they can be doing.” This representation aims to reinforce the feasibility of a career in science for young women.
Women in Science Day continues to play a pivotal role in promoting interest in STEM fields among young girls, demonstrating that hands-on experimentation can effectively spark a passion for science.
