Bridging the Gap Science Activities

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a comprehensive approach to introducing science, engineering and mathematics concepts to girls. BTG was created as a fun way to help close the gender gap in science and mathematics. Bridging the Gap began back in the mid 1990’s as a collaboration between Charlotte’s Discovery Place, Inc. and Hornet’s Nest Girl Scout Council, funded with a grant from the National Science Foundation. Girl Scout Councils around the country are now using materials originally designed and available for this project but more importantly, they are using the process created at the Girl Scout’s Hornets’ Nest Council in Charlotte, North Carolina to make science important to girls.

Surprising facts

· Girls consistently score lower in science than boys from the fourth grade on.

· Girls consistently score lower in mathematics and science on SAT and AP standardized tests.

· Fewer than 1 in 5 degrees in chemistry, physics, math and engineering are awarded to

women.

Bridging the Gap Activities: “Meeting in a Box”

The activities used for BTG cover Daisy-Senior Girl Scouts and are housed in loaner “Tubs” or “Science Bins”. Each bin/tub contains all the activities and more to complete a Try It, Badge or IPP. Consider the BTG tubs as a “meeting in a box.” A leader guide accompanies each tub along with many of the non-consumable and hard-to-get items needed to do the activities. Each leader’s guide describes and explains the activities in the tub, gives complete simple-to-follow directions, includes questions to help the girls think further about the activities, and includes a complete materials list.

Procedure for checking out BTG tubs

Science Bins may be kept for a four-week period. I suggest that leaders check a bin out several days before needed to enable you to have enough time to familiarize yourself with the activities before presenting them to the girls. Check the materials list that comes with each tub as you may need to purchase some additional (consumable) supplies in order to complete all the activities. You may need 2 or more meeting times to complete the activities in each tub.

There is a $25 refundable deposit for each Science Bin you check out. Checks should be made out to Union 1 Girl Scouts. When you return the bin intact, I return your check intact.

When you have decided which try-it, badge, IPP, etc. you would like to work on, call your Science Consultant to reserve the bin for your next meeting.

Science Bins Available

Daisy: Color Wonders

Brownies: Senses, Science Wonders, Numbers and Shapes, My Body, Outdoor Happenings

Junior: Aerospace, Dabbler- Today/Tomorrow, Geology (changing to “Rocks Rock”), Making it Matter, Weather Watch

Cadette/Senior: Dabbler; Eco Action; Aerospace; Build a Better Future; Math, Maps and More

If you are interested in checking out a Science Bin

Contact: Cindy B., Union 1 Science Consultant, at cbrewer01@carolina.rr.com.