Brief History of Ms. Wizard Day
Lauren Aimonette Liang, a graduate of the Class of 1996, founded the Ms. Wizard Day Program in her junior year. The first Ms. Wizard Day was in the spring of 1995. On February 2, 2002, Ms. Wizard Day: "Starting Small and Changing the World" took place and was even covered by the local TV news and newspaper.
Goals of Ms. Wizard Day
To provide elementary and young middle-school-age girls the chance to:
- increase their interest and involvement in the sciences
- experience a supportive interaction between university students and pre-adolescents
- experience a post-secondary educational setting
- explore a few of the many options that open up to them with continuing education
- take academic risks in a positive environment and gain confidence in their abilities
We hope to:
- present the wide variety of applications of the sciences
- present career possibilities in the sciences and related fields
- inspire participants to pursue academic interests and continue in math and science classes
- encouarge the girls to view themselves as potential scientists, engineers, and mathematicians
- promote respect for diversity and support minority women as well in educational persuits
Ms. Wizard Day is sponsored by the Notre Dame Club Coordination Council, ND College of Science, ND College of Engineering, ND College of Business, and ND College of Arts and Letters.. It is thanks to their funding that Ms. Wizard Day remains free of charge to those schools and scout troops invited and to the parents of the participants.
What the Participants Have to Say...
Here are some responses from a survey taken at the end of one of the past Ms. Wizard Days.
What was your favorite part?
"My favorite part of Ms. Wizard Day was the labs."
"When we got to do experiments and make cool things."
A parent who attended said: "I enjoyed watching my daughter learn and interact with all the projects.
I think this is a great opportunity for all girls to learn and have fun."
What was your least favorite part?
"I liked all of it."
"What I liked least about Ms. Wizard Day was leaving!"
What will you tell your friends about today?
"It was very fun and I learned a lot."
"It is the BEST!"
"We had a lot of fun and met new people from new schools!"
"It is a fun
place to go if you like science and to have fun!"
