Girls Exploring Math and Science project encourages all kinds of learning

KAILUA-KONA — Excitement filled the air Tuesday as 315 fifth-grade girls from 25 public and private schools in West Hawaii descended upon King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to explore math and science.

And explore they did.

The girls got to choose from 21 workshops at the 22nd GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science, sponsored by the American Association of University Women-Kona, Hawaii. It is also supported by local businesses, organizations and individuals.

“We want to encourage girls to pursue math and science in their education and career goals.” said Jamie Pardau, event organizer. “ We want to show them that it’s OK to be smart, and that there are many career options that they may not have thought of until they are told about them at this event.”

The workshops covered an array of areas including marine sciences, physics, robotics, astronomy, veterinary services, chemistry, finance and more. The program is designed to stimulate interest and promote the confidence of girls in these fields. Presenters also provided a hands-on experience for the girls, bringing their discipline to life. Girls learned chemistry by making their own slime, the art and science of food by cooking, and robotics by remote control.

In areas all around the hotel, the sounds of exploration echoed and rattled off the beachfront walls. In the courtyard, girls were doing an archaeological dig with a National Park Service archaeologist. Around the corner, state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources employees were teaching how to do a fish count. Inside, a group of girls were diagnosing a pet’s condition with help from Keauhou Veterinary Hospital staff.

Jolene Head from Keauhou Veterinary Hospital has been a workshop presenter for eight years.

“We love it,” Head said about what draws her back to event year after year. “Having kids ourselves, it’s important to get out in the community and let the girls know that they can do and be anything they want. It’s empowering to see so many women in different fields.”

For Kealakehe High School robotics team member and workshop presenter Alexus Agard it was a coming home of sorts. The 10th grader attended GEMS five years ago.

“It’s really great to be here because I learned so much from GEMS as a fifth grader and now it’s great to give back and to see everyone so excited to learn,” she said.

Kahakai Elementary School fifth grader Allison Perillo said Zumba was the most fun. But after consideration, she also really liked the cooking class.

“We got to see reactions and stuff. It was really cool,” she said.

Waikoloa Elementary School’s Shaniah Spear summed it up by saying “I think it’s really fun to give us kids this opportunity.”