9450531 Crissman This Information Dissemination Activity, Kieve Science Camp for Girls: A Laboratory Camp for Dissemination, replicates the successful Kieve Science Camp for Girls and cultivates a "ripple effect" in six participating school districts. Designed to tackle issues known to stifle the confidence and enthusiasm of girls in science, the project is a based on research and expertise of the Kieve Science Camp instructors and staff. It is a one year effort to train and support 24 adult dissemination leaders (12 parents and teachers and 12 leaders from other science camps in Maine). They will be trained through observation and participation with campers in the Kieve Science Camp for Girls and through a series of four seminars accompanying the camp experience. The seminars are designed to help teachers and parents return to their communities prepared to be advocates for gender equity and experiential education in science. This project uses a collaborative learning environment to provide professional development for teachers, to teach the Kieve Science Camp for Girls model to other camp staff, and to cultivate local actions on behalf of girls in Maine Schools. The Kieve Science Camp for girls is a residential experience for 120 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders from six rural and resource-poor communities in Maine focusing on experiential educations. in addition challenges requiring cooperation and risk-taking are encouraged. The goal of the camp is to effect a positive attitudinal shift, helping girls see that science is fun, and developing their confidence to participate fully in the world of science and technology. The carefully-selected female instructors and staff support the importance of the role models. ***
