District 117 girls attend  math, science conference

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District 117 students participate recently in the annual Fifth-Grade Girls’ Math and Science Conference at Moraine Valley Community College. | Supplied Photo

Updated: February 23, 2012 8:01AM

Pharmacy, 3D animation and architecture were among the professions on display recently at the annual Fifth-Grade Girls’ Math and Science Conference at Moraine Valley Community College, sponsored by the Palos-Orland Area Branch of the American Association of University Women, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and Moraine Valley.

North Palos District 117 participated in the event, as it has done for several years. The event complements high school and junior high school science, math and technology curricula and creates interest and enthusiasm among female students who may be considering careers in technical fields.

More than 60 girls participated in the conference from school districts in Orland Park, Palos Park, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, Palos Heights, Tinley Park and Oak Forest.

Girls attended three programs by women representing careers in math, science and technology.

One of the presenters was District 117’s Linda Newman, a retired science teacher at Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills and a 1996 Golden Apple Fellow. Newman stressed the importance of young girls’ self-confidence and support from teachers and parents.

The theme of her presentation was, “How Do We Get and Keep Our Girls Interested in Science?”

A woman attorney presented a segment on “Running a Business” and challenged the girls to calculate the profit of a fictitious costume shop. A physical therapist presented a segment on “Getting Back into the Game with Physical Therapy” and showed girls various computer slides that included physical therapy for animals.