STEM Newsletter Autumn 2019
Lots of Badges, Astronomy, Challenges & communication ideas
In here are some ideas for STEM activities, program ideas and badges for the upcoming Term.
If you have an item, or an idea you would like to see in a future newsletter you can email me at g4g@girlguidesactse-nsw.org.au.
If you have questions on how to implement a STEM evening or STEM term program at Guides or want assistance with any STEM topic, please also email - I am happy to help (or point you at someone who can help)
So what Guide Badges include STEM?
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Explore-A-Challenge Badge
NUMBERS Create-A-Challenge Badge
OUTER SPACE Create-A-Challenge Badge
Robogals Science Challenge
Minor Challenge 3 is OUT! Have a go at some of these new mini-projects in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Spatial Engineering.
Want to get involved? Be sure to sign up at the link to receive all the Challenges and competition updates as soon as it's released:
http://eepurl.com/gikEJv
The best thing about this challenge is you don't need to complete everything to just have fun. You could just use some of the challenge activities as part of a badge or for a STEM programmed activity.
Clever Cogs (She Solves)
This engineering challenge has been developed in conjunction with Girlguiding North West England and three, young female engineers at BAE Systems.
Engineering surrounds us all in our day-to-day lives – even if we don’t always realise it. Although it is a field that is often overlooked, without engineering, the iconic pyramids, Stonehenge and even the International Space Station would not exist. There are also applications of engineering on a much smaller scale – from computer chips to medicines and aircraft to bionic limbs, to name a few. The activities in this challenge are designed to show some of the exciting and useful applications of engineering.
You may have see a reference to the new She Solves badge released in Singapore recently. This badge is based on the Clever Cogs Challenge from the UK and the best news is that the UK information for this badge is available and the badges can be ordered from the UK as well.You can go here to find out more, download the booklet and order badges: https://www.girlguidingnwe.org.uk/leaders-area/region-resources-and-challenge-badges/the-clever-cogs-engineering-challenge/
From exploding volcanoes to mechanical hands, these innovative and hands-on activities aim to inspire the next generation of female engineers and scientists. It also features profiles of some of the world's most inspirational and pioneering female engineers.
The Clever Cogs challenge is suitable for all sections to take part in. You can choose to complete activities as a Six, Patrol or Unit…or another grouping of your choice!
Youth and United Nations Global Alliance Challenge Badges
Topics include: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Forests, Nutrition, The Ocean, Soils, Water and more are being developed all the time.
Greenlight for Girls Day 17th August 2019
Mount Stromlo Public Astronomy nights have started up for 2019
Mount Stromlo Observatory, in conjunction with the Canberra Astronomical Society, invite the Canberra community to attend our free, public stargazing nights and lectures. Warm clothing is recommended and observations on the night are weather-dependent. Please see the Mount Stromlo calendar for more info and dates.
Make sure you check out the sky conditions at Mount Stromlo so you know what to expect when you arrive.
There are lots of other public activities at Mount Stromlo and you can find out more here.
The Canberra Girls’ Programming Network
The Canberra Girls’ Programming Network runs free, hands-on programming workshops for girls in grades 4–12. Girls are introduced to a range of topics such as cryptography and games and code their own programs using the Python programming language. No coding experience is necessary! Events are run several times a year by volunteer local women studying or working in IT in industry, academia and government.
So whether you’re a coding guru, or just a beginner, come along to one of our workshops and give programming a go!
To get the earliest notification on when registrations for our next event open, join our mailing list!
Don't forget if you are a studying and working in IT, we are always looking for more volunteers to help run our events, so please get in touch.
Using technology to connect with your Unit
Closed Facebook groups are one option. You need to appoint an administrator or two and be rigorous with your privacy settings, but it can be a great way to have your program available online and share photos and other information.
Alternatives include TeamApp - which has chat, newsletters, document storage and online calendars and it is free if you don't mind a bit of advertising. TeamApp doesn't require the app be installed on a mobile, an email address is enough to register and it can administrated from a laptop.
Another option is a WhatsApp group - this is good for notifications and photo sharing - and could supplement emails or facebook.
Does anyone use some other application? I would love to hear what your unit is using and whether it works for you?
If you would like to set up one of the above options but aren't sure how, I am happy to assist, just email me at: mailto:g4g@girlsguidesact-sensw.org.au
Girl Guides ACT & SE NSW Region
Email: g4g@girlguidesact-sensw.org.au
Website: www.girlguidesact-sensw.org.au
Location: 16 Newman St, Yarralumla ACT, Australia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlGuidesACTSENSWRegion/