Welcome to year two of SciGirls MN!
SciGirls MN is a collaboration science program based on the local TV series SciGirls. This is a drop off program designed to expose young ladies to STEM opportunities, build lasting friendships, and gain confidence in the field of science.
Each class will run from 10 AM-2 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except for the September class, which will be held on the 3rd Wednesday.
Here’s what we have planned for 2015-16:
September 16 Monarch Mania: The girls will get to know each other this month as they experiment with flight, and learn all about monarch butterflies from a local expert. They’ll learn how to help the plight of the monarch, and do a butterfly release.
October 14 Robots to the Rescue: This month, the girls will learn about robot body language by using sounds, digital displays, and gestures. They’ll get to operate lego robotics as they complete really cool challenges.
November 11 Going Green: The girls will see firsthand the difference between incandescent and CFL bulbs, by conducting experiments to test energy output. They’ll understand the importance of making eco-friendly choices in their day to day lives. For the second half of class, science meets art! ArtScraps will come in and the girls will make jewelry out of recycled objects.
December 9 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: It’s time for our annual Christmas event! We’ll meet up at Stepping Stone Theater to watch the production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. After the play, our girls will participate in a workshop to find out how the science of makeup and design plays a part in the production of their plays. Each girl will bring a $10 gift to exchange.
January 13 Super Sleuths: Who dunnit?! Today the girls will help solve “The Case of the Missing Diamonds,” by using forensic science. They’ll work together to solve the case using real crime scene analysis. We’ll have a special visitor from a scientist in the field!
February 10 Work It Out: How often do you pay attention to your breathing? This month the girls will find out what it’s like for children that have asthma. They’ll create an experiment to test and monitor their lung function. Afterwards, they’ll get their bodies moving and exercise those lungs, when a teacher from The Dance Lab comes to teach the girls a choreographed dance! Be sure to wear a leotard or comfy clothes to this class! There will be a short performance after class.
March 9 Aquabots: This month the girls will learn all about neutral buoyancy, and will create an experiment to demonstrate it. This event is so much fun, they won’t want it to end! But alas, all good things must come to an end. After their experiment, they’ll get to test what they learned in class, at a waterpark! Parents and siblings are welcome to attend the second half of class today. Sign yourselves up on the registration form.
April 13 Multitasking Mania: How does multitasking affect our ability to concentrate? The girls will find out when they collaborate together to try to break their teammates concentration! This month, we’ll do our annual service project, too. The girls will work together to make 150 sandwiches that’ll get handed out to homeless people in our community.
May 11 Zoo Engineers: This month we’ll meet up at the Minnesota Zoo, and will learn about, and try our hands at engineering animal exhibits! After our special STEM class and lunch, we’ll wander the zoo and complete a scavenger hunt. Before we say good-bye for the summer, the girls will receive a scrapbook kit so they can create their own book of memories at home!
**NEW** Two additional workshops have been added!
May 25 - Monarch Ecology: The girls will meet up at a location in Bloomington to plant nectar plants on the prairie, learn about milkweed impostors, and cull the culprits. It'll be a 2 hour workshop, where the girls will get their hands dirty, and really contribute to saving our local monarch population.
Week of June 8th - Monarch Monitoring: For this special workshop, the SciGirls will work alongside scientists, searching for and counting monarch eggs and caterpillars. The data they collect will be documented and used in scientific research! The girls will be provided with everything they will need to raise a monarch, from egg to butterfly, at home.
Total Cost for This Class is $190
**To register, email me at leslie@stphr.com , and I'll email you a registration form***
FAQ's
What will a normal day look like?
All non-field trip classes will begin by viewing the SciGirls episode that corresponds to the activity we're doing that day. Afterwards, the girls will break into groups, receive a challenge, and work together to complete their task. When they're done, the groups will present their findings to each other. Then, they will have lunch, and free time to chat, giggle, and play. During the second half of class, they'll explore the month's topic as it's used in the field, with demonstrations, mentor visits, games, and fun!
Can I stay and watch the class?
No, this is a drop off class. You may choose to come for the second half of the March class (a water park!). Indicate that you'll be joining us in March, on the order form. Don't worry, we'll take lots of pictures!
Can my son join this group?
No. Although SciGirls as a whole welcomes everyone, this particular group is an all-girl group.
My daughter is only 6, but she's brilliant. Can she join?
No, this group is specifically for girls between the ages of 9-13.
SciGirls is produced for PBS by tpt National Productions and is made possible by the National Science Foundation. Additional support by L’Oreal USA’s For Girls in Science program, Northrup Grumman Foundation, and PPG Industries Foundation. SciGirls ®/© 2013 Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. All rights reserved. SciGirls, the characters and related indicia are trademarks / service marks of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc. Used with permission. pbskids.org/scigirls
