Leonides "Lee" Alvarez Leonides Lee Alvarez  
       
  Doral Middle School  
  6th and 7th grade Science  
       
       
       
  "Science is best learned when we self discover it. With this in mind, I am very concerned with learning disadvantages of science skills and gender bias issues that are found within our society toward girls. Even before entering formal schooling, girls are not given the same opportunities to explore science as boys do. When boys play, they explore the outdoors by digging in dirt, collecting bugs, and throwing objects. However, girls games are usually indoors. They are not expected to get dirty, to imitate motherly type games, color, read, paste, cut, or watch T.V. Therefore, when they enter formal schooling, they do so with a science handicap. This is why I am so excited about REALM. REALM is hands on science focusing on girls. As a teacher, this is my opportunity to even out the scores and encourage females to engage and explore science."