Central Cambria Middle School girls from Mrs. Dickert’s Eighth Grade Science classes had the opportunity to visit Penn State University on Saturday, February 4th. While there, the girls toured the campus and participated in the University’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. This program was geared towards getting young girls interested in STEM careers. Students were introduced to Penn State students from many fields. The girls’ morning started out with a mini expo where they were introduced to different careers involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Students met representatives from the different careers, were able to make business cards, and learned tips on future career plans. Following the expo the girls attended a Welcome Ceremony where they learned why people choose these careers and the opportunities associated with each, such as helping others, higher education funding, and travel.
The girls were then divided into three groups and rotated throughout different science programs. The first program that the girls were able to visit was Hidden Power. This rotation was held in the Millennium Science Center which is a new addition to the campus. This rotation allowed the girls to see how science is a part of their everyday lives. Students got to see high powered telescopes and how they work with computers, projectors, and other technology to improve research. Students learned about Piezo Electricity, LED lights, and solar energy. Students enjoyed the presentations and the different hands on activities that were performed at each station.
The second program was Mini Med School. In this rotation the girls learned about their hearts and how to maintain good health now and in the future. Girls learned about heart disease, heart rate at rest and at work, and how each part of the heart works. In order for girls to get a better picture of how the heart works they were broken into small groups and given a sheep’s heart to dissect. Many girls enjoyed this activity and were anxious to get their hands dirty and learn through investigation.
The third program, and perhaps the most popular of the day, was cosmetic chemistry. During this rotation, girls were taken to the chemistry building where they were taught how fragrances are extracted by two Penn State Chemistry Majors. Students were then taken to a lab and given a mini lesson about how different scents, also known as notes, are used to create some of the different perfumes they use daily. The girls were then given different scents and formulas to create their own unique fragrances. Each girl was able to make roll on perfume, body spray, and body wash. There was also a competition to see who could make the best smelling fragrance. The girls seemed to really enjoy this rotation and learned how chemistry plays a role in the products they use every day.
The girls wrapped up their day by attending a closing ceremony where they learned about careers in sustainability, and again were taught about skills needed to succeed in a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students were given words of encouragement and many left with sparked interests and new goals for their futures. The Central Cambria girls would like to thank the following people/businesses who helped to make this trip a success:
- Mrs. Dickert, 8th Grade Science Teacher, for all of her hard work planning and organizing the trip.
- Burger King and Penn Gables, for their food discounts during the trip.
- JC Penney, for providing the girls with a goodie bag filled with samples of their latest make up line.
