Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1060790
Snap, snap, snap go the fingers of 27 sixth-graders in support of a classmate who offers the correct answer of "carbon" from a corner of the room. In Kelsey McFadden's class, they 're studying geology today — specifically, how diamonds are formed — and McFadden is about to drop some science. With enough heat and pressure, she says, any carbon-rich material can be turned into diamonds, such as peanut butter or even living things. Wonder-filled eyes open wide as the room explodes with a unified "whoooaaa," before the girls turn inward to their small groups and excitedly buzz about the possibilities and implications. e atmosphere doesn't seem different from any other public school; perhaps a little more focused than usual, but to be fair, it is some pretty cool material. And then what sets it apart from other classes becomes obvious — there are no boys in the classroom. In fact, every stu- dent at this school is a girl, but that's just the beginning of what makes Girls Academic Leadership Academy (GALA) a special place. Nestled in a corner on the Los Angeles High School c a m p u s , G A L A ( f u l l n a m e : t h e G i r l s A c a d e m i c S All-girls public STEM school builds equity and skill BY JULIAN PEEPLES PHOTOS BY SCOTT BUSCHMAN Set Up to E xc e l Lively discussion, like in this English language arts class, exemplifies GALA's engaging and supportive atmosphere. 34 cta.org the Innovation issue the Innovation issue I T I N O I N N E O S S V U A Innovation Issue 2018 I I 2018 Innovation issue the 2018