On Friday, Nov. 5, more than 500 seventh- and eighth-grade girls will travel to the University of Missouri-Rolla campus to learn how fun science, mathematics, engineering and technology can be.

Girls who attend Expanding Your Horizons in Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Technology, a one-day conference to be held at UMR Friday, Nov. 5, will interact with women working in traditionally male occupations, participate in hands-on workshops, meet other young women with similar interests, and learn about career opportunities for women in mathematics, engineering, and science.

Attendees participate in four sessions, including two hands-on workshops, a career panel, and a keynote speech by UMR graduate Dr. Joan B. Woodard, executive vice president and deputy director of Sandia National Laboratories.

Expanding Your Horizons offers participants 20 different hands-on workshop topics, including a day in the life of a veterinarian, how to isolate DNA, glass making, electricity and magnets, and perceiving verbal and non-verbal communications. Participants can build an edible gum drop dome, perform forensic analysis to solve a medical mystery and learn how solar energy can be used in everyday living.

"We hope that by providing young women with information, role models and positive hands-on experiences at EYH, they will become more interested in and aware of careers in math, science and engineering," says Victoria Banales, coordinator of distance and continuing education at UMR. "We also strive to enhance their confidence to succeed in math and science studies."

More information on Expanding Your Horizons is available online at pre-college.mst.edu; click on "Expanding Your Horizons."