2003 Take a Daugher to Work Day
The 2003 Take a Daughter to Work Day was Thursday, April 24. The Department of Physics put on one of the 50 campus wide workshops and hands-on learning sessions. Physics graduate student Homeyra Sadaghiani provides her impressions of the day:
It was a great experience that turned out to be really exciting and brought fun for both kids and coordinators. Twenty two girls were officially registered and some faculty from our own department brought their children. Over all, we had about 25 kids.
Girls arrived earlier and left the lab later than scheduled. They had so much fun that they didn't want to leave. They played with the toys and experienced the tools and watched the demos. Kenneth Bates made everyone a fun balloon and then froze it! Harold Whitt laid on the bed of nails for the girls and Drs. Jossem and Clark welcomed the parents.
I think, one key element that made this workshop so great, was the enthusiasm the female graduate students brought into the lab. They were friendly, knowledgeable and funny. I would like to thank: Reni Ayachitula, Kelly Dunber, Mary Wildermuth, Rebecca Beauchamp, Terry Bradley, Katherina Christandle, Steve Stonebraker, and all the other people that without their help this workshop could not have done so well.
I heard one of the girls on her way out tell her mother "this is what I want to do when I grow up." Pretty impressive isn't it? The next day I got several thank you e-mails from the parents that were surprised themselves that their daughter enjoyed the physics this much. Here are some of their comments:
"My daughter particularly enjoyed the Physics of Toys workshop and I believe that had a lot to do with the enthusiasm of the members of that department and their willingness to have the kids enjoy a hands-on experience."
"Just wanted to let you know that my daughter ( age 11) had a great experience this morning. She had lots to tell me..., about several cool things she did. Obviously, you guys put in a lot of work and I thank you for that!"
One mother of a 12 year old accompanied her daughter said that when her daughter chose that workshop she thought it would be boring for her, but she was actually surprised when she saw how much fun and excitement can be had in the physics workshop.
Pictures of the physics workshop are available here!
