Clyde-Savannah Scout coordinates event

• What packaging materials best protect a raw egg traveling in an egg car going down a ramp?
• How much voltage does a kiwi contain and can it alone light a 1.5 W bulb?
• Why does mixing cornstarch and water create a polymer that continuously changes state when it is handled?
• Who was John James Audubon, and how can you differentiate a species of bird based on its unique call?

These were topics covered on a Saturday during Girl Scout Gold Award Project Girl Science Investigation (G.S.I.) coordinated by Senior Girl Scout Jennifer Gillette from Troop #897, Clyde-Savannah Service Unit.

Held September 15, at St. John's School in Clyde, 55 girls spent four hours having fun and exploring science.

'I never imaged that I would get 55 girls to participate in my project. I had girls come all the way from Baldwinsville, Bloomfield, and even three girls from Athens, Pennsylvania! Gillette was encouraged by her parents to follow her heart and create something fun and exciting for her Gold Award Project. So, putting together a project that would benefit her choice in a future engineering career as well as those of other girls seemed the logical solution. I really like science and math,' said Gillette. 'The more I thought about this, the easier it was to put together the areas of exploration. My only problem was choosing which fields of math, science, and engineering to explore, since there are a lot to choose from!'

After narrowing her choices, four remained: Physics, engineering, chemistry, and biology/environmental science.

Laughter, teamwork, and experimentation were evident as the girls spent 45 minutes at each of the stations.

North Rose-Wolcott third-grade teacher Sally Burgess hosted Phun with Physics, where the girls learned how to make their own slime balls and what it takes to be a Packaging Engineer.

Another program explored was Engaging in Engineering which was hosted by Julie Olney and Tess Ambrose representing Women in Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Newark Hospital nurse Terri Williams hosted Creative Chemistry. Girls experimented with vinegar and baking soda and other kitchen products, and discovered different types of chemical reactions.

Frank Moses, Director of Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC), hosted the Backyard Biology/Environmental Science session. During the MAC's presentation, the girls were given a birdcall, blindfolded, and had to locate their birdcall match. In addition to learning about bird identity, the girls also learned how to use binoculars.

Gillette said, 'My hopes are that one day, when they are applying for college just as I am, these girls will reflect on the fond memories of my Girl Science Investigation and allow their experiences to have an impact on their decision.'

Gillette is a senior in the Clyde-Savannah Central School District and a New Visions Engineering Student at the Wayne Technical and Career Center (WTCC).

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