Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut (STMHS) partnered with Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) to hold Women in Science Seminar for 9th grade female students at STMHS. The girls started their day at the USCGA, where they learned how the Coast Guard uses a machine to detect drugs that might be found on boats. They ran through a simulation using the machine and had to find the cargo which was of suspect. They also were exposed to an Oceanography lesson, where they viewed how water tables being moved in a circular fashion simulated the oceans and could be used to study wave patterns among other things. From there, they were able to visit the plasma lab, where they learned that plasma is the 4th state of matter and saw how it could be used to power a future rocket ship.
From the USCGA, the girls ventured to Connecticut College where they rotated through three educational sessions. They experienced a real-life college physics lecture, saw an interesting biochemistry demonstration, and visited the greenhouse where they examined two plants under a dissecting scope. They then tested which type of plant would water move through fastest.
The STMHS students ended the day with a fabulous lunch at Connecticut College cafeteria and have taken with them a great experience that will foster that desire to learn more about science.
For more information, visit our web site: www.nlstmhs.org or contact
Denise Swiatek - swiatekd@newlondon.org
Janet Farquhar – farquharj@newlondon.org
