Girls and science: an electrifying duo!

On February 19, the 12^e edition of the event "Girls and science: an electrifying duo!" ". This day of discovery will take place simultaneously in four cities in Quebec: at the École de technologie supérieure in Montreal (ETS), at Laval University in Quebec, at the University of Quebec at Rimouski and at the Cégep de Sherbrooke.

Nearly 300 participants aged 13 to 15 will gather at ETS to discover the true nature of scientific professions and meet women who have chosen a scientific career. At the same time, school workers and parents will participate in forums as part of a component specially designed for them. “It's important to answer questions from parents, teachers, guidance counselors. By informing an adult, we reach several girls, ”explains Françoise Marchand, professor at ETS and member of the organizing committee. She believes that scientific careers need to be publicized. “Who knows what an engineer does? No one except the engineers themselves. "

The idea of Duo was born a few years ago when companies looking to recruit female engineers failed to meet female quotas. “Girls don't allow themselves to go to science. They have no models, ”laments Ms. Marchand. However, several training courses are offered, not only at the university, but also at the secondary level (DEP) and at the technical CEGEP level.

Our Duo brings together participants from 2^e and 3^e secondary. “It's at this age that we start to close our doors, choosing optional courses at the end of secondary school,” explains Ms. Marchand. And when you close doors, it takes a lot of effort to reopen them. "

Françoise Marchand regrets that girls shun science. “Girls tell us they want to change the world. However, with science, we can change the world! A mechanical engineer, Ms. Marchand loves the sciences that allow her to find concrete solutions to problems. Moreover, the sisters Roxanne and Marie-Philippe Beauchamp, spokespersons for the event and passionate about science, found all kinds of solutions to everyday problems: they invented an alarm system for cabinets, an ecological insulating envelope. for coffee mug, electronic dice and reusable gift bags.

The prejudices about scientific professions are also stubborn. This is why the “career shopping” component is at the center of the Duo. The girls can then meet women (and some men!) Who practice scientific professions and ask them all their questions. “Girls at this age are often more mature. They already know that they want to work as a team. However, they believe that the scientist works alone in his laboratory. This is totally wrong! "

In addition to “career shopping”, participants have the opportunity to participate in numerous workshops. “We want the girls to be able to go home with concrete experience in different sciences, not just engineering,” explains Ms. Marchand. Over the years, young students have been able to take apart a computer, build electrical circuits and even cast concrete.

The event alternates each year between the ETS and the École Polytechnique de Montréal.

To learn more or to register, visit the website
http://www.lesfillesetlessciences.ca/