America's first female astronaut Sally Ride will be on campus this weekend to teach girls the importance of science and math.
The Barrett Honors College and the Sally Ride Science Club will sponsor the Sally Ride Reach For The Stars Festival on Saturday at ASU.
Ride, who first went to outer space in 1983 on the Challenger shuttle, will give the festival's keynote address in the Galvin Playhouse at noon and 1 p.m.
The festival is designed to inspire girls from fifth to eighth grade to retain an interest in science, math, computers and technology by connecting them to each other, female role models, engaging content and fun activities, said Kristen Nielsen, assistant dean for student services of the Barrett Honors College.
Michelle Minitti, one of the workshop presenters and a faculty research associate with the Center for Meteorite Studies at ASU, will show girls the factors that affect crater formations.
"The festival gives [girls] an opportunity when being smart isn't necessarily 'cool' anymore, to be surrounded by their peers who have the same interests, and [the girls] will see that it's OK to have an interest in math and science," Minitti said.
The honors college decided to co-sponsor the festival because it recognizes the benefits of scientific literacy, Nielsen said.
ASU was the first university to host the science festival that did not have a direct connection to Ride or her family, Nielsen added. This will be the fourth annual Sally Ride Science Festival at ASU.
Last year the festival attracted more than 700 people who attended the hands-on workshops presented by a variety of women professionals, said Sarah Auffret, assistant director of media relations at ASU.
Laurie Leshin, an ASU professor, will discuss the latest developments in Mars exploration at the festival, Nielsen said. Leshin's exposure to Ride's pursuits led to Leshin speaking at other festivals across the country and Ride becoming more involved in ASU's Mars Project.
"I know Dean Mark Jacobs, our administration, faculty and staff are thrilled to co-host this event," Nielsen said.
For more information on the festival, visit www.sallyridefestivals.com.
Reach the reporter at jourdan.rassas@asu.edu.
