Wittenberg University

Wittenberg University Science and Math Exploration Night to Inspire Area Girl Scouts March 21

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The third annual Girl Scouts Science and Math Exploration Night at Wittenberg University will be held from 6 to 11 p.m., Friday, March 21, and promises to offer the young members of the Buckeye Trails Council and their families an up-close look at the fascinating world of science. Faculty and science majors hope this event will excite the future generation of scientists and strengthen interest in the field of science for young girls in the Miami Valley.

Astronomy and math are just two of the many subjects taught to the hundreds of Girl Scouts as young as first grade and their families from Dayton and Springfield who are invited to the event. Last year's attendance nearly doubled that of 2001, with a capacity crowd participating. The other classes will be in biology, chemistry, geology and physics.

Started in 2001 by Mike Crotty, Wittenberg class of 2002 and father of three Girl Scouts, the program is the brainchild of Crotty's experience with his daughters. One night he took his children out to see the stars with Daniel Fleisch, assistant professor of physics, and theWittenberg Astronomy Club when he saw the enthusiasm the girls showed for star-gazing. Crotty proposed an astronomy event for the troop, but Fleisch suggested that the event encompass other areas of science as well. Crotty subsequently approached Wittenberg's other science departments - all of which enthusiastically supported the idea.

"We like giving the girls a chance to see so many female faculty members in the sciences and science majors enjoying their work and giving non-traditional career and development ideas to our young members," said Michelle Knoch, Girl Scout membership and marketing specialist.

Female students in the Wittenberg science department are continuing this program and have been eagerly making plans for the event so this introduction to the sciences is a successful one. Not only will the students help lead group instruction, they will also share with the girls the struggles and rewards of being science majors in college.

"We think the science night is a wonderful opportunity for the Girl Scouts of the community to experience the sciences in a very positive and fun environment," said Carrie Kinnaman, sophomore chemistry major from Noblesville, IN, and one of the student organizers of the event.

For more information, contact Kinnaman at s05.ckinnaman@wittenberg.edu or to register contact Knoch at1-800-233-4845, extension 535.

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