Girls in STEM
Supporting every child after the bell with homework help, hands-on learning, and fun they look forward to.
1-5
Wed 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM or 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
10-week session
10761 Los Alamitos Blvd
Girls in STEM Overview
The Girls in STEM program at The Youth Center introduces young girls to science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on activities. Participants explore topics like coding, chemistry, and engineering while building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The program encourages curiosity and helps girls see their potential in STEM fields.
Select Your Workshop
Curriculum 1
Sept. 2 – Nov. 4
Grades 1-5
Curriculum 2
November 19 – February 11
(no class on Nov. 26, Dec. 24 & Dec 31)
Curriculum 3
March 4 – May 13
(no class on April 8)
10-week Breakdown
Students explore polarity through a fun lava lamp experiment, observing how different substances interact while kicking off the program with an engaging icebreaker.
Activities: (Experiment) Students will create DIY lava lamps using small jars, oil, water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer, while learning about polarity through observation and experimentation.
Students learn the basics of architecture and engineering by designing and building bridges, focusing on structure, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Activities: Students will plan and sketch bridge designs, build bridges using popsicle sticks and glue, and then test their strength with weights. Small prizes will be awarded for the strongest design.
Students are introduced to soil science by creating edible models of soil layers, helping them understand how soil supports ecosystems.
Activities: (Experiment) Students will build soil layers in clear cups using pudding, Oreos, sprinkles, and gummy worms, and then discuss how soil composition impacts plants and the environment.
Students begin learning coding fundamentals using Scratch, creating simple interactive projects that build creativity and problem-solving skills.
Activities: (Sensory Exploration) Students will explore the Scratch platform and create and share their own coding projects.
Students explore chemical reactions through a hands-on slime activity, discovering how different substances interact to form new materials.
Activities: (Experiment) Students will conduct a hands-on-slime making activity to explore chemical reactions.
Students learn about static electricity by exploring how charges move and interact through a fun, hands-on activity.
Activities: Students will create paper butterflies and use balloons to make them “fly” with static electricity.
Students observe an exciting chemical reaction and learn to identify key signs such as gas production and physical changes.
Activities: (Experiment) Students will conduct the Mentos and Coca-Cola reaction and then identify and discuss the signs of a chemical reaction.
Students explore renewable energy by building solar-powered cars and testing how sunlight can be used to power movement.
Activities: (Building Challenge) Students will build solar-powered car kits and experiment with their performance under different conditions.
Students prepare for their final presentations by organizing their work and practicing how to clearly communicate their ideas.
Activities: (Planning Session) Students will develop and rehearse presentations for the final showcase.
Students present their projects to an audience, building confidence and strengthening their public speaking skills.
Activities: (Final Presentation) Students will showcase their projects, practicing public speaking and presentation skills, with a focus on the importance of communication in STEM.
Meet Sarah Saadeh
Sarah Saadeh, a Civil Engineering major with a Data Science minor at UC Berkeley, founded the Girls in STEM program while attending Los Alamitos High School to address the gender gap in math and science. She developed a hands-on curriculum that allows young girls to explore STEM through experiments, coding, and design projects, giving them opportunities to build both technical knowledge and communication skills.
Now at UC Berkeley, Sarah continues her commitment to mentorship and innovation. She has earned honors such as Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar and actively participates in research and leadership within the American Society of Civil Engineers, reflecting her dedication to expanding opportunities for young women in STEM.
Ready to become one of Girls in STEM?
Join a supportive, hands-on program where you’ll explore, create, and discover your potential in STEM.