Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois: Godfrey

Showing posts with label Godfrey. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Delivers NASA Created STEM Program

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.

Girl Scouts use mirrors to manipulate light during the
"Powered and Pumped Up" program in Carterville

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.

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Monday, June 25, 2018

Girl Scouts Bringing NASA Created Program to Southern Illinois

Elizabeth Sanders, I'Anna Hubbard, Kayloni Howes and Esra'a Ross Jaber
take measurements before building a prototype solar-powered water pump.

Girls on Mars? On June 21, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) hosted a STEM program at North Elementary School in Godfrey that explored the idea that humans could use engineering to live on Mars. Nineteen girls from ages 11-14 participated in the “Powered and Pumped Up!” challenge created by NASA’s Glenn Research Center to plan, build, test, and improve a stand-alone solar powered water pump. While developing their hands-on project, girls learned about light intensity, lenses and manipulation of light, and how mirrors can be used to focus energy, along with other scientific concepts. The curriculum ties into current research being conducted by engineers at Glenn Research Center regarding space travel.

Tyrriah Parker, Amariyah McClenney, and Nariah Bick build a solar-powered
water pump from their own design.

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.

This fall, Girl Scouts of the USA pledged to bring 2.5 Million girls into the STEM Pipeline by 2025. The organization also launched new programming that includes 23 new STEM and Outdoor Badges and plans to introduce 18 Cybersecurity badges and a series of Space Science badges over the next two years.

Madison Slack inspects her team's solar-powered water pump.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Introduces New Asthma Awareness Patch

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) introduced a new Asthma Awareness patch on Saturday, May 7 at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey in conjunction with the 16th Annual American Lung Association Asthma Awareness and Education Walk.

More than 100 people were in attendance at the event chaired by Jaris Waide, American Lung Association volunteer ambassador. Waide suffered an acute asthma attack in 1998 that caused a traumatic brain injury. Her experience inspired her to become one of the area's leading asthma awareness advocates. Special guests included Girl Scouts from Medora who dedicated the day to their friend and fellow Girl Scout Mia Kessinger, who passed away earlier this year from an asthma related event.

GSSI Program Manager Julie Fox introduced the new program, which guides girls to learn more about the respiratory system, asthma, and how to respond in case of an asthma-related emergency. She also recognized Girl Scout Courtney Winkler of Glen Carbon for winning a patch design contest held earlier this year with her submission depicting an advocate ribbon in light gray, which is the color of asthma awareness. Attendees then joined together for a moment of silence and song in tribute to Mia.

Next, Joey L. Petrokovich, 911 Manager of the Wood River Police Department, educated the group to increase their asthma awareness. Attendees learned information including common triggers of asthma attacks, what to do if experiencing an asthma attack and how to help someone else having an asthma attack. He also explained how 911 works, taught the best protocol when calling in an emergency and led a question and answer session.

Following the educational portion of the event, participants walked the path around Glazebrook Park and enjoyed a friendly pancake brunch together. Waide plans to donate the proceeds from her fundraising event to GSSI in order to help educate even more girls on asthma awareness.

"We're so honored to have been part of this wonderful event and pleased to be able to increase asthma awareness as part of GSSI's commitment to helping girls learn more about healthy living and being prepared in case of an emergency," said Fox.