Celebrate ‘International Women and Girls in Science Day’ with hands-on activities and experiments during this FREE program open to everyone.

In 2015, the United Nations selected Feb. 11 as ‘International Women and Girls in Science Day‘ in order to further achieve gender equality and encourage more female participation in science. Join us for a day full of activities and conversation with a variety of scientists!

While the event activities are FREE, there is an admission charge for the Spiders Alive! and Butterfly Rainforest exhibits.

Activities

Girls Do Science

Meet local scientists and do fun activities throughout the afternoon!

• McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity– Learn about DNA extraction, butterfly specimen preparation, imaging butterfly specimens, and drawing butterfly wing venation under stereomicroscope. See drawers of Lepidoptera and other insects from the museum’s collection.
• North Central Florida Society for Neuroscience– Build a neuron craft, learn about neuroanatomy through the use of animal and human brains as well “brain tricks” to see how our behavior can be impacted when various forms of brain damage happen.
• Blackburn Lab– Learn about amphibian and reptile research in the Florida Museum of Natural History specimens, 3D prints, images and a coloring activity.
• Normandeu Associates– Locate and identify animals including birds, whales, sharks and turtles on aerial digital images from offshore environments on the US east coast.
• Florida Museum Mammals Collection– Use stamp pads and clay to make a variety of animal tracks.
• UF Aquatic Animal Health Program– Learn about Florida marine life like right whales, sea turtles, dolphins and manatees.
• UF Biology Department– Discover the differences between endotherms (like people) and ectotherms (like salamanders) with thermal cameras.
• Ordway Lab of Ecosystem Conservation– See bird specimens, pictures and slides to learn more about the common birds found in Gainesville’s urban areas.
• UF Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science– Bilingual coloring activities highlighting tropical diversity of animals.
• Soltis Lab– DNA extraction from strawberries.
• Taylor Lab– Learn how jumping spiders hunt with LIVE animals and displays.
• Assocation for Women Geoscientists– Rock, mineral and fossil showcase.

Girls Do Science Online

Celebrate women and girls in science all year! We gathered some great resources from previous years all in one spot. Download our free activity book PDF, read about Florida Museum scientists, watch videos about science activities and more!