OSC: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Join us February 11 for special programming to mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Science is critical to addressing social and environmental challenges – it provides a framework to help us understand the world around us. And yet, according to the 2015 UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 28% of researchers across the world, and are even less represented at the higher echelons of decision-making. Women are interested and capable in STEM, so why such underrepresentation? Largely because of persisting gender stereotypes and biases.
On February 11, challenge implicit biases, widen your perspective on what makes a great scientist and imagine your future in STEM.
Spotlight on Women in Science
Help us shine a light on girls and women in science! Guest speakers of different ages and backgrounds share their personal stories, demonstrate the wide variety of career opportunities in STEM and answer your questions.
• Keeley Aird, Co-founder, STEM Kids Rock
• Emily Agard, Director, Science Communication, Outreach and Public Engagement, Ryerson University
• Ana Sofia Barrows, Departmental Assistant, Faculty of Science, Dean's Office, Ryerson University
• Emily Chung, Science and Technology Writer, CBC.ca
• Fran Lasowski, Executive Director, C20/20, McMaster University and CEO, 20/20 OptimEyes
• Sandhya Mylabathula, Concussion researcher, policy fellow, and science educator
• Swapna Mylabathula, MD/PhD Candidate, University of Toronto
• Arushi Nath, Grade 3 student, citizen scientist and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada member
• Dr. Amanda Schwartz, Physician, Department of Anesthesia, Humber River Hospital
• Samantha Yammine, Science communicator and PhD Candidate, University of Toronto
Moderated by
• Azadeh Shirzadi, Teacher, Ontario Science Centre Science School, and Founder, STEMneutral
• Rachel Ward-Maxwell, Researcher/Programmer, Astronomy and Space Sciences, Ontario Science Centre
11:00am – 2:00pm
Hot Zone, Level 6
Robot Reset
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, hit the reset button on robots!
Machines can only work from the information given to them. Without gender parity in the field of robotics, it isn’t entirely surprising that researchers have found robots can exhibit gender bias. From the hyper-masculine Robocop to the apron-wearing Rosie, there is no shortage of gender stereotypes reflected in robots in popular culture.
What would robots look like if we consciously created them to be free of societal gender stereotypes and biases?
Using a little cardboard and a whole lot of imagination, make your own gender-neutral robot with movable arms, legs, heads and wheels. Give your robot a purpose, not a gender. You’ll be wowed by the diverse collection of artistic and expressive creations that results.
In addition to a robot friend you can take home, this creative exercise is a great way to talk about, and improve, our understanding of prevailing stereotypes – in robots, STEM fields and beyond.
Inventorium, Level 2
10:00am – 5:00pm
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Science Centre admission
Tickets: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/boxoffice/boxoffice.aspx
Organized by: Ontario Science Centre
Location: Ontario Science Centre