The Dawoodi Bohras of Vancouver Celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in Partnership with Simon Fraser University, Faculty of ScienceEvent Inspired STEM Education in Community Girls
By Jumana Mascati
In recognition of The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, more than 20 children from the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Community of Vancouver participated in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event hosted by Simon Fraser University (SFU), Faculty of Science, Community Outreach Program in Burnaby.
The ‘Science in Action’ event featured a two-hour interactive session on chemistry, biochemistry, and physics conducted on the university campus. Activities included making elephant toothpaste, and experimenting with liquid nitrogen, as well as copper and magnesium. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.
SFU presenter James Zhou stated: “We try to reach out to students of many backgrounds for hands-on activities, starting withinquiry-based learning, to probe them, and engage them, essentially taking large concepts and simplifying them into smaller components, helping them to learn”.
Cynthia Henson, SFU Faculty of Science, Manager, Outreach and Engagement, also stated: “We look forward to questions from children as that allows us to learn more and gain interesting insights from school groups and cultural groups.”
The students ranged in age from 4 ½ – 18 years old and included 11 girls.
Insiya Khambati, a young girl attending the event from the Vancouver Dawoodi Bohra community said, “I really enjoyed being part of today’s demonstrations. My favorite part was changing colors with dry ice and watching the reactions it created.” “Providing science, technology, trades, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) role models and experiences to youth is important for showcasing the world of opportunities that exist in STEM!,” said Dr. Larissa Vingilis-Jaremko, Founder and President of the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS).
Tam Pham, Youth Engagement Director at the Society of Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) stated that "On such an important day for SCWIST, we are thankful and excited for Dawoodi Bohras Commitment to celebrating this day with their youths.
