St. James Girls Win Big at Science Olympics!

“At Lauralton, we believe in empowering women for life,” says President Antoinette (Toni) Iadarola, Ph.D. “We encourage students to strive for excellence in all that they do. ” The spring Science Olympics was held on Saturday, May 10, 2014. However, instead of winning medals in beach volley ball and synchronized swimming, teams of 4 students from New Haven and Fairfield counties competed in fun, problem solving science projects at Lauralton Hall’s Science Olympics.

Lauralton Hall science teacher Dr. Susan Cavar feels the Science Olympics are extremely valuable for middle grade girls. “Studies show that girls have negative attitudes towards math and science,” said Dr. Cavar. “This translates into reduced involvement in these fields in high school, college and career choice. Although performing better than middle school boys, they participate less, have high levels of anxiety, and little confidence in their abilities. The Science Olympics is the perfect opportunity for girls to shine, increase their confidence, and be around others that share their love of science.”
With the help of Lauralton Hall faculty and students, participants work together in teams on challenging activities.

“I loved helping out with the Science Olympics,” says one Lauralton student volunteer. “At first the project looked like it would be super tough to solve, but we figured it out as a team and we all felt so proud when it worked! I think the girls had a lot of fun and realized how ‘cool’ science can be.”
Historically, girls have been underrepresented in science and engineering. Offering the Science Olympics is one of the many ways that Lauralton Hall encourages young women to get “psyched about science”. The school also has the distinction of introducing students to physics in their freshman year. According to Science Department Chairperson Theresa Napolitano, “Offering physics during their freshman year not only gives students a solid foundation in science, helping them develop a strong, lasting interest, it also gives them confidence. A phenomenal number of Lauralton Hall alums pursue science in college and go on to pursue careers as scientists, engineers, and bio engineers.”

The St James “Nanotechnologists” team, Caitlin Rich, Roselynn Thattil, Zuquila Mbachiantim, and Emmie Kate Burton won second place in the 8th grade division this spring! Congratulations to all of you, you have represented St. James well. The same team of 4 girls also won First place in the fall Science Olympics for the 8th grade division.