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JUNEAU - Research shows that the majority of Americans imagine a scientist as male, white and middle-aged, but the Tongass Alaska Girl Scout Council and Springboard, a program of the Juneau Economic Development Council, are working to change that image, removing barriers to participation and encourage young girls in Southeast Alaska through a Juneau event called "Girls Rock Science."

"Girls Rock Science" is a one-day event designed to inspire and excite girls about science and engineering. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 26 at Chapel by the Lake. It is open to the public and will feature hands-on activities aimed at ages 7-14.

Activities range from marine touch tanks to geo-caching, wildlife illustration, Lego robotics and more! More than 20 volunteers and 7 different organizations, including NOAA, DIPAC and Fish & Game, have already stepped-up to make this event a success.

The U.S. Navy, funded by the National Defense Education Program, is sending four female scientists and engineers from Dahlgren, Va.

Jennifer Thompson, award-winning Gastineau Elementary School teacher and one of the volunteer coordinators of "Girls Rock Science," hopes this event encourages participants to pursue other science opportunities.

"Science investigations provide an opportunity to discover and make sense of the world around us," Thompson said. "The Girls Rock Science event will be an inspiring place for girls to actively use tools, compare results, ask questions and 'mess about' with materials to make their own discoveries."

For more information on "Girls Rock Science" or on how to volunteer at this event, contact Rebecca Parks at 523-2334 or rparks@jedc.org.