Girls in STEM & Kids in STEM

Week 1: Color-Changing Flowers (Biology)

Overview: Students will investigate the factors that influence plant growth and explore the biology behind color-changing flowers. This hands-on experiment will show how different conditions can affect flower colors, giving students insight into essential plant care and the science of botany.

Activities:

• Experiment: Explore how different factors influence the color of flowers through a hands-on experiment.

Week 2: Scratch (Technology)

Overview: Technology is integral to our daily lives, from basic tools to advanced computers. This week, students will explore the impact of technology on problem-solving and innovation. They’ll also get hands-on experience with coding by learning to write code using the Scratch platform.

Activities:

• Coding Session: Introduction to coding using the Scratch website, where students will create their own projects.

Week 3: Oobleck (States of Matter)

Overview: Matter is everywhere around us, existing in three primary states: solid, liquid, and gas. This workshop will explore these states of matter through a fun and engaging experiment with oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.

Activities:

• Experiment: Investigate the unique properties of oobleck to understand the different states of matter.

Week 4: 5 Senses Activity (The 5 Senses)

Overview: Our five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—are crucial for understanding the world around us. In this activity, students will use their senses to compare and contrast different sensory experiences, enhancing their observational skills.

Activities:

• Sensory Exploration: Engage in activities like smelling candles and tasting candies to explore the importance of the five senses.

Week 5: Slime (Chemical Reactions)

Overview: Chemistry helps us understand the world through the study of matter and its interactions. This workshop turns students into chemists as they explore chemical reactions by creating slime, learning about the science behind it.

Activities:

• Experiment: Conduct a hands-on slime-making activity to explore chemical reactions

Week 6: Paper Rockets (Engineering)

Overview: Engineering is key to many aspects of modern life, from transportation to technology. This week, students will develop, launch, and evaluate paper rocket designs, working in teams to practice creative thinking and engineering skills.

Activities:

• Rocket Building: Design and launch paper rockets in groups, followed by evaluation and improvement.

Week 7: Invisible Ink (Acids and Bases)

Overview: This workshop introduces students to the properties of acids and bases through an exciting experiment with invisible ink. By using a baking soda solution and revealing the message with acidic grape juice, students will learn about chemical reactions in a fun and interactive way.

Activities:

• Experiment: Write and reveal secret messages using invisible ink.

Week 8: Marshmallow Towers (Creative Thinking/Blueprints)

Overview: Students will engage in innovative thinking by taking on the challenge of building the tallest tower using only marshmallows and toothpicks. This activity encourages problem-solving and the application of engineering principles.

Activities:

• Building Challenge: Construct towers with marshmallows and toothpicks, focusing on design, testing, and refinement.

Week 9: Presentation Planning

Overview: This week is dedicated to preparing students for their final presentations. They’ll work on organizing their projects, practicing public speaking, and learning how to convey their findings effectively.

Activities:

• Planning Session: Develop and rehearse presentations for the final showcase.

Week 10: Presentations

Overview: While a strong STEM background is crucial, effective communication is just as important. In this session, students will present their final projects to peers and parents, honing their public speaking skills and building confidence. The session will also highlight how all kids can make an impact in STEM by using their voices to share their discoveries and ideas.

Activities:

• Final Presentations: Students will showcase their projects, practicing public speaking and presentation skills, with a focus on the importance of communication in STEM.