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| Girl Scouts test a solar powered water pump during the "Powered and Pumped Up" program in Glen Carbon |
This summer, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) hosted a traveling STEM program that explored the idea that humans could live on Mars, provided a sustainable water system could be engineered. More than 100 girls between the ages of 11-16 participated in the "Powered and Pumped Up!" challenge that was created by NASA's Glenn Research Center. During the program, which was delivered during GSSI's STEM Day Camp, as well as through stand alone programs in Effingham, Carterville, Glen Carbon and Godfrey, girls planned, built, tested and improved a solar powered water pump. While developing a prototype water pump, girls learned about light intensity, lenses and manipulation of light, and how mirrors can be used to focus energy, along with other scientific concepts.
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| Girl Scouts use mirrors to manipulate light during the "Powered and Pumped Up" program in Carterville |
GSSI was one of 13 youth-serving agencies in the Midwest to receive a grant to incorporate the NASA program into their summer curriculum. By the end of the summer, “Powered and Pumped Up!” will also be delivered in Effingham, Carterville and Glen Carbon. STEM is one of four areas that form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, along with Outdoors, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.
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| Girl Scouts build a solar powered water pump during the "Powered and Pumped Up" program in Godfrey |
This fall, Girl Scouts of the USA pledged to bring 2.5 Million girls into the STEM Pipeline by 2025. The organization recently launched 30 new badges and Journeys to power girl leadership in key 21st century issues including environmental stewardship, robotics, cybersecurity and engineering.