International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To celebrate International Day of Women in Science, Greystones Community College was delighted to be invited by SEK International School to join them for a celebration of Science alongside our friends from Temple Carrig School. This piloted collaborative initiative saw SEK Dublin hosting ten young female scientists from 2nd year in Greystones Community College who attend the science-focused morning workshop. The event aimed to celebrate female scientists through exploration, research, and hands-on activities, providing students with an engaging experience in the realm of inquiry. The primary goal was to enhance community bonds and cultivate a mindset of embracing opportunities irrespective of stereotypes.
At the event, the girls heard from Dr. Alison Connolly, Assistant Professor in the Centre for Safety and Health at Work at University College Dublin, as the esteemed guest speaker. Dr. Connolly, a distinguished female scientist, captivated the audience with her insightful narrative on the life of a scientist. Her talk spanned the workings of exposure science, effectively explaining the distinctions between hazards and risks, and the critical steps involved in risk assessment. Furthermore, Dr. Connolly shared on human biomonitoring, sharing her research on Pesticide Exposure in Ireland among Amenity Horticulturists (professional gardeners). Her engaging presentation not only shed light on the challenges and triumphs encountered in scientific exploration but also emphasized the boundless opportunities for travel, collaboration, and networking that this career path offers.
Building on the momentum of Dr. Connolly's inspirational address, participants embarked on a journey through science, exploring the vast contributions of female scientists, both past and present. This exploration was facilitated through an innovative gamification approach, infusing learning with excitement and a spirit of healthy competition that deviates from traditional classroom settings. Through a series of interactive "Minute-to-win-it" and group challenges, attendees were encouraged to collaborate and investigate into various scientific disciplines, from cell type identification and periodic table exploration to the discovery of scientific careers and hands-on experience with laboratory equipment.
This event was not just a celebration of Women in Science; it was a vibrant and engaging morning dedicated to sparking a passion for STEM and championing inclusive education. By providing a platform for inquiry, teamwork, and discovery, we aim to inspire students to become eager inquirers, effective communicators, and responsible global citizens, prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world of science and beyond.
Thank you to SEK for an engaging morning celebrating girls in Science.