Girls Go Tech!
Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Even if you don't realize it, math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! During your lifetime you will have to depend more and more on your understanding of these subjects, but you'll be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technology.
Math is all around you.
Many people think of math as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. That's ONE type of mathematics – arithmetic. But math is so much more than that. It's the algebra that NASA uses to plot a rocket's path to Mars. It's the trigonometry surveyors use to plan the location of a new road. It's the geometry calculations that help you make that free throw while playing basketball with your friends.
Technology is all around you.
Technology is already a major force in the lives of today's girls. Just think how most girls are connected through PCs, cell phones or pagers, not to mention VCRs, MP3 players, DVDs and countless other devices with embedded chips. And that doesn't include all the daily appliances, machines, vehicles and instruments that also use technology. How many items can you come up with?
Science is all around you.
Most of the information that your brain receives comes through your eyes. Sometimes, instead of waiting for all the signals from the billions of nerve cells to come in, your brain takes shortcuts. If images are unusual or unfamiliar, the brain can get confused. Images that "fool" the brain are called optical illusions.
Lego Robotics
FIRST Robotics
(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science
and Technology)
FIRST is an organization dedicated to "inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills."FIRST recognizes the importance of developing girls' courage, confidence and character to make this world a better place through engagement in hands-on engineering and science programs.
FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) introduces girls to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) using LEGO MINDSTORMS®. Girls engage in activities which test technical skill with robot design and programming while also exposing them to leadership skills through annual research-oriented community projects, promoting awareness of current issues. See this year's theme.
FLL can be organized as day camps, resident camps, after-school and/or university-based activities. Girl Scouts that participate in FLL are eligible to earn theGirl Scout Robotics Participation Patch (pictured at left).
For more information about FIRST and how to get involved, please contact Suman Sabastin, STEM Project Manager, Technology and Engineering Initiatives, at ssabastin@girlscouts.org.
Lighten up!
Lighten Up! Discovering the Science of Light
Girl Scouts of the USA is pleased to present Lighten Up! Discovering the Science of Light, an exciting new program resource for girls 11–15. Developed through a partnership with the Optical Society of America’s Foundation (OSAF), Lighten Up! offers fun, hands-on activities–such as making a sunset in a bottle, using Jell-O to understand how lenses work, and crafting a telescope–to acquaint girls with the fascinating world of optics. The guide shows girls how optics concepts relate to current research and why optics is so important in everyday life. Additionally, career profiles highlight some of the many job opportunities available in the field.
The book is available for free via download at www.studio2b.org/gossipyouneed/lighten_up.asp
or in the resource section of this page.
Through this partnership, OSA’s Local Sections and Student Chapters are committed to working with area councils to help present program related to this topic and serve as mentors. To find a section/chapter in your area, go to www.osa.org, click on Membership, and select Student Services or Local Sections from the menu.
Design Squad
DESIGN SQUAD is more than just a television series.
The DESIGN SQUAD Web site extends the concepts presented on the show and provides viewers with an opportunity to explore content through the lens of "engineering as problem-solving using science, math, and technology."
Engineers and educators have partnered with DESIGN SQUAD to help support kids as they try out the ideas first-hand. These real world experiences give kids a stronger understanding of engineering, equip them with science and math skills, and ultimately lay the foundation they need to participate in engineering activities later in life.
DESIGN SQUAD presents viewers with positive role models who experience engineering as a fun and engaging process.
The image many still have of engineers is the outdated 'nerds with calculators and pocket protectors.' DESIGN SQUAD goes a long way to address this. Our diverse cast of high school students are high-energy, smart, and approach the challenges they face with enthusiasm. And not a single one of them wears a pocket protector
Math
CYBERCHASE teaches kids that math is everywhere, everyone can be good at it, and it's fun! Here atCYBERCHASE Online for Parents & Teachers, we've provided everything you need to bring the math adventure and learning fun of CYBERCHASE to your favorite kids.
- Awards and Research for recognition CYBERCHASE has received for excellence, as well as results of independent research studies.
- About the Show for a description of CYBERCHASE as a multimedia project, introductions to the main characters in the show and more.
- About This Site for a quick site tour.
- Our all-new Search engine that takes you quickly to math terms and related CYBERCHASEmaterials.
- Lessons & Activities tied to episodes that you can use to extend the CYBERCHASEexperience.
- Tips & Support for helpful tips from math experts.
- News & Events, where we share upcomingCYBERCHASE events and broadcast news.
Build up Kit
American General Contractor's Association "Build Up" Kit. This was unveiled at Overseas Committee Management Training. Each kit has enough materials for 30 students and 20 hours of program. The suggested age level are 5th graders (Girl Scout Juniors). Their intended use is in the classroom. It was suggested that this kit would be a wonderful bridge to demonstrating a program pathway (special interest or event) or even an "in School Scouting" or "Scouting during the school day" type program where a facilitator of Girl Scouts provides this program to a selected 5th grade classroom (boys and girls) for a set amount of sessions. Participating girls are registered. This is a great way to partner with Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls club, or your local youth center. Check out their site for more information. To request a kit to use in your committee contact the Director of Membership and Marketing-Program Manager DSN 645-2323 or email.
