SCWIST

ms infinity

ms infinity Programs across the province of BC and the Yukon expose young women to interesting and exciting career options and positive female role models who are pursuing dynamic careers and education in science and technology. ms infinity attempts to defy stereotypes of science careers and women scientists. You don’t have to wear a white lab coat and tape on your glasses to be a scientist!

ms infinity Conferences

The ms infinity conferences attempt to encourage young women in grades 9 and 10 to continue studying math and science throughout high school to broaden their career possibilities. Most commonly held over one day, the conferences include hands-on workshops led by women currently working in the field of science and technology, a motivating keynote speaker and a careers game.

Most communities personalise the conference to address the needs of their students. ms infinity conferences can be held at any time of the year. Some communities have found that hosting them in May allows them to use the facilities at local universities or colleges. If you would like to feature a hands-on workshop, the Exxplore Science Careers Game or a keynote speaker at your upcoming event, please let us know and we will help you customise a program.

The ms infinity committee works in cooperation with other community organisations, schools and colleges in British Columbia, Canada to deliver the conferences. Local input is sought for the development of the agenda and whenever possible local resource persons and role models participate in the workshops and lectures. SCWIST offers a list of Lower Mainland role models and covers travel and accommodation costs for up to two speakers to remote areas.

If you are interested in hosting a ms infinity conference, please contact the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). She can provide you with information on how to:

Recruit role models and develop workshops
Fundraise
Find facilities to host the conference
Develop a budget
Get publicity

Quantum Leaps

SCWIST offers another series of conferences known as Quantum Leaps for young women in grades 11 and 12 that are more career-oriented. Quantum Leaps are generally held in the fall.

Science Day

Science Day is ms infinity’s newest program. These events help Brownie, Guides and Pathfinders earn their Scientist, Engineering or Computer Science Badges.

eMentoring

This electronic program is designed to facilitate an ongoing guiding relationship between students and mentors – an opportunity for professional women to act as role models for young students. With 30-45 minutes/week of email communication, professional women can encourage young women to discover the excitement and rewards of careers in math, science and technology, broaden their horizons, help them improve their communication skills and provide them with a forum for their questions and concerns. For more information on the eMentoring program please contact the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For Students

Through a choice of diverse workshops, a keynote speaker, and career game, you will discover:

Careers you never even knew existed!
Careers that you didn’t know required science!
Doctors aren’t the only scientists!
You have abilities even you didn’t know about!
Mathematics is not as difficult as you may have thought!
Math and science can be exciting and fun!
What you’re learning in class actually has relevance to life after high school.
There are infinite exciting and interesting career futures ahead for you if you continue studying math and science.
You can make informed decisions about your future, whatever it may be!

At a ms infinity conference you will meet cool women scientists who were and are a lot like you! Some role models include: a forensic scientist who has worked on murder cases, an engineer who works for BC Hydro, a geneticist who will show you how to isolate DNA and many more!

Encourage your science teachers and CAPP teachers to check out this site! Nag them ‘til they do it!

Volunteer Opportunities

ms infinity Committee
We are always looking for new insight and contributions through our ms infinity committee! As a member of the ms infinity committee you would be involved in: organising local conferences; recruiting role models, communities and mentors; marketing our programs; hosting networking and social events for volunteers; and attending committee meetings.

If you wish to attend this meeting, please contact the ms infinity program coordinator for the location and time.

Role Models
This is a super fun way to volunteer! Being on the Role Model list means communities hosting conferences can invite you to attend their event and run your hands-on workshop.

You don’t have a workshop yet? No problem! The ms infinity committee members are experts at working with Role Models to develop activities that are fun, relevant, age appropriate and related to your area of expertise. Generally, workshops are 45 to 60 minutes long and include at least one hands-on component.

Travel may be involved, but your expenses will be reimbursed by ms infinity or the host community. This is an excellent opportunity to travel throughout the province and encourage young women to explore their interests in science and technology.

Science Day Role Models/Volunteers
Science Day is ms infinity’s newest program. These events help Brownies (ages 7-8), Guides (aged 9-11) and Pathfinders (ages 12-14) earn their Scientist, Engineering or Computer Science Badges.

As a Science Day Role Model, you would lead a 45 to 60 minute hands on activity for a group of girls. The ms infinity committee members can help you develop a workshop for the specific age group, if needed. The Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders are great to work with, very enthusiastic and energetic!

The SCWIST Science Day Planing Guide can be downloaded here.

If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities, please contact the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For other volunteer opportunities with SCWIST, see the volunteer section.

Pictures below from the SOAR 2007 Parksville Conference – Crazy Chemist and Camp Scene Investigation Workshops