Science and Technology

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMING IN THE GIRL SCOUTS

Several years ago, this council responded to the American Association of University Women (AAUW)study that showed girls lagging behind boys in math and science skills by scheduling an ambitious slate of programs designed to make learning in these areas fun. Since introduction of the first science center camp-in, members' enthusiastic response has forced the on-going addition of programs to meet the huge demand. This trend shows no signs of diminishing:

since 1993, GSCNC has added programs and increased capacity three-fold, yet waiting lists remain long and demand for science programming continues to be enthusiastic. Our programs include:

GIRL SCOUT DAY AT THE NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM sees troops displaying their science projects and doing hands-on science projects conducted by Goddard Space Flight Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the American Association of University Women, the American Association for the Advancement of ScienceHoward B. Owens Science Center introduces Brownie Girl Scouts to astronomy and the world of animals. Girls explore the stars through Native American Folklore, learn about the different phases of the moon in a 55-foot planetarium, and participate in a "get involved" search of exhibits with live insect specimens and live reptile show.

ENCOUNTER EARTH at the Howard B. Owens Challenger Learning Center provides troops with experiences in space simulation similar to those in which astronauts are involved prior to going on a space flight. Girls are divided into two groups: One group begins in a spacecraft that is on its way to Mars to relieve the crew that established the Mars settlement; the other begins in the Mars-based Mission Control, where they are gathering and analyzing information sent to them from the astronauts in the spacecraft. Half way through the mission, the groups change places.

MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER CAMP-INis an overnight event that sees Junior Girl Scouts exploring the exhibits, viewing a planetarium show, watching an Imax movie, and participating in four science workshops investigating "invisible science."

CHALLENGER CENTER FOR SPACE SCIENCE EDUCATIONinvolves Girl Scouts in space exploration programs that see these "scientists, engineers, and astronauts" role-playing detailed space flight scenarios in Challenger Center's Mission Control and Space Station. Girls maneuver robots, locate stars using computers, and construct space probes. (All age levels.)

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