Love science and technology? How about math and engineering? A robotics program may be for you!
Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) has partnered with FIRST® to offer council program opportunities in these areas. The mission of the FIRST® program is “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”
If robotics sounds like something that might be cool to check out, Girl Scouts and their families are encouraged to attend the upcoming open house.
How is GSEM getting involved in robotics?
GSEM is currently working with five Girl Scout teams in the FIRST LEGO® League level, grades 4-8. Teams, led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors, work together to design and build a robot and program it to do various tasks. They also research a topic based on the year’s challenge and do a presentation about their research. Teams will then compete at regional tournaments, in the hopes of making it to the World Festival in April. The World Festival will take place in St. Louis in 2011, 2012 and 2013. It’s a great and fun way to expose girls to these exciting fields.
Girl Scouts who participate in teams can earn the Girl Scout Robotics patch!
Volunteering for FIRST®
FIRST® programs also involve thousands of volunteers - from mentoring a team to being a referee at a competition. If you have special science, technology, or engineering expertise, or if you just want to be a part of the program, consider getting involved.
To learn more about
FIRST® programs for all ages, visit
www.usfirst.org.
Questions? Contact: Laura Roth, 314.592.2376, lroth@girlscoutsem.org.