Surgical gowns, science experiments, body organs on agenda for hands-on science fun Saturday at DMU

Event is full. This is a photo/story opportunity only.

DES MOINES, IA (03/09/2010)(readMedia)-- Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade girls from around the metro area will gown up for surgery, dig into goo and sprawl out to map their internal organs on Saturday, March 13, at Des Moines University (DMU) for the fourth annual Girls in Science Day.

Approximately 80 girls from Perkins, Hubbell, Capitol View and Carver elementary schools, Merrill and Callanan Middle schools and children of DMU faculty, staff and students will convene for all kinds of fun science and medicine activities.

Event co-organizer Megan Barry, D.O. student from the class of 2012, said, "We want to share our love for science and the medical world with the next generation. Every year at this event the halls are abuzz with excitement. You can't describe how their eyes light up when they hold a human heart the first time or intubate and bag a simulator in the surgery lab."

The girls will experience a non-stop interactive, action-packed morning. From learning how to scrub in for surgery and sterilize instruments in the mock operating room to analyzing organs in the anatomy department, the 10- to 12-year-olds will get a first-hand look at science in the medical field. As they cycle through four different stations, the girls will see and experience different aspects of medicine. All of this, coupled with goodie bags, t-shirts, breakfast and lunch should make for a fun and exciting day for everyone involved. Check-in and breakfast starts at 8 a.m. and activities should begin by 8:20 a.m.

"We want to encourage them to consider a career in the science, technology or math fields where women are not well represented," Barry continued. "We hope through our event, we can show them how much they can one day contribute to the progression and diversity of science."

This event is full. To cover the event, interview students or get more information, please call Courtney Tompkins at 515.271.1576.

Event Day Schedule:

8 a.m. - Continental breakfast & check-in

8:15 a.m. - Brief introduction

8:20 – 12:15 - surgical, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, OMM & physical therapy stations

12:15 – 12:35 p.m. - lunch

12:35 p.m. - Pick up

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Des Moines University is the only private medical school in Iowa, offering graduate-level, professional degree programs in osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, health care administration and public health. Founded in 1898, the institution offers superior academics in a collaborative environment. DMU students' pass rate on national examinations and board certifications is consistently higher than the national average and the rates at similar institutions.