Girls explore science in the great outdoors

St. Patrick's County Park will open its doors to a special science day for girls in grades 5 through 8 on April 25. The program, called GALS, runs from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM and focuses on hands-on learning with real scientists. Instead of sitting in a classroom, participants will dig into soil samples with Erica Price from the University of Notre Dame. They’ll also observe fish behavior with Katrina Whitlow from Saint Mary’s College and examine aquatic insects with Jennifer Tank’s team from Notre Dame. The day wraps up with a discussion on mosquitoes led by Lelia Burley-Sanford, a health specialist.The event isn’t just about listening—it’s about doing. Girls will get their hands dirty and their shoes muddy while exploring nature firsthand. The scientists leading the activities aren’t just teachers; they’re active researchers sharing their real work. This approach helps bridge the gap between textbook science and real-world discovery. It’s a chance for young minds to see what science looks like beyond the lab. What makes GALS stand out is its focus on girls in middle school, a time when many lose interest in STEM fields. By bringing female scientists into the mix, the program offers relatable role models who can inspire future careers. The free registration—covered by a local fund—ensures cost isn’t a barrier. But with space limited, early sign-ups are a must.