Girl Scout STEM Smart Day Camp

I found this on our local Girl Scout website, and it looks like a great activity.  Registration has started, but the girls need to be Girl Scouts to attend.     I loved my years in Girl Scouts, both in Connecticut and in Texas.    Girl Scouts of America has changed over the years, but I appreciate their efforts to incorporate STEM in their programs and events.   They are much more than cookies now!

http://www.girlscouts-ssc.org/activities-events/stem-smart-day-camp.aspx

Girls and Computer Science

This is a great article about the abilities and opportunities for all children, but it emphasizes once again the challenge we have getting girls engaged in STEM fields.  No pun intended.  I remember years ago I attended a challenging 2 week computer science camp while still in high school, and we were all exposed to a new world of languages and programming.  This was in the late 80's, so I came back to my school with skills that served me well, along with college credit in COMP 143.   I would sit in our basic computer class as a Senior and write code for all the other students...good ol' Pascal.

I love that this article mentions the CSI effect.  My school is famous!  :)  I met a girl today who has a double major from UI in fire ecology and forestry management, and is still taking classes for fun and further training.   In my visit with her, I was immediately impressed with her.  Probably because my friend Bill told me she is awesome so she must be!  Girls, get out there and find your passion!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865591365/Why-more-girls-should-study-computer-science.html?pg=all

Miss Utah 2012, Kara Arnold, and her STEM platform

I have great family and friends that email and text me when they hear cool news about STEM.  I love this story, and it goes right along with the goal I have to spread the word about the significance and power of STEM initiatives.

On Saturday night, the new Miss Utah was crowned.  So?  Well, I will let the news article explain...

"Arnold, who recently graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in biochemistry, will represent Utah throughout the year and at the Miss America pageant in January 2013. She will also receive a $10,000 scholarship, serve as a representative of the Children's Miracle Network, and promote her personal platform, "Discover Your Potential — Step Up with STEM." STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and Arnold's platform focuses on encouraging women to explore opportunities in those fields."

How cool is that?  I will have to see if she travels to Southern Idaho for school visits!   Way to get the message out, Ms. Arnold!  Oh, how I hope your talent was a science experiment!

Amazing summer course for Middle School girls!

This just came across my inbox, and I had to share it.  Girls in grades 5-8 can apply to participate in this online class this summer.  It doesn't matter how small our communities are...our kids can have great experiences if we are just willing to look for them.  Check it out and like this program on FB!
http://women.nasa.gov/nasa-g-i-r-l-s/

STEM in the News...Girl Scout Power!

I appreciated this segment on ABC news yesterday that highlighted the efforts by the Girl Scouts of America to promote STEM activities.  They are learning to be "smart cookies!"  I loved the lessons I learned as a Brownie and Girl Scout...and of course I still have my uniform!  Thanks for keeping it safe, Mom!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/girl-scouts-usa-celebrates-100-years-15478651