GIRLS EXPLORE ASTRONOMY THROUGH STAR WARS
Local Girl Scouts learned about astronomy by taking a closer look at the famous movie STAR WARS. A workshop was held on Friday, September 30th, 2016 to expose young ladies to astronomy and the stars. This event is part of an on-going initiative in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics and is coordinated by Ashli Smart, National Program Director for Girls University and Lucretia Brunson, Tiny Techz Area Director. The workshop was $15.00 and available to girls grades 4th – 8th. The event was held from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Girls University, 1249 Celebration Blvd, Florence, SC 29501. Dinner was included along with an exclusive STAR WARS STEM night t-shirt. Eighteen girls participated in the workshop on STEM.
The STAR WARS exploration started under the leadership of Ashli Smart, National Program Director for Girls University. Girls University is an interactive leadership and enrichment academy for girls who focuses in STEM, STEAM and other activities for girls. Girls introduced themselves and then began to create their own STAR WARS names. The girls then completed a few SWAPS (Special Whachamacalits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere – a Girl Scout tradition). Ms. Smart explained how to create their own SWAPS that featured characters from the STAR WARS movie. Most of the girls created Yoda, an Ewok and/or R2D2. The night was then turned over to Lucretia Brunson Florence Area Director for Tiny Techz, a local organization that provides innovative STEM education, while preparing youth for the 21st Century. Tiny Techz staff and Ms. Brunson engaged the girls with educational information regarding the importance of women in astronomy. Tiny Techz staff and Ms. Brunson completed a hands-on take home activity with the girls, Nebula Jars. Each girl created her own. The girls were immersed with information about our galaxies and others as well as our solar system. Tiny Techz then connected the projects and information to the movie STAR WARS.
If you know a girl who would benefit from exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Mathematics, they may contact the Girls University at 843-468-4710 or Ashli Smart at ashli@girls-university.com.
Girls University is safe, interactive leadership and enrichment academy for all girls that focuses in STEM and STEAM. Visit www.girls-university.com for information on upcoming workshops, birthday parties, special events and more!
