Girl Scouts of America Offering Environmental Awareness and Engineering Programs

March 22, 2013- As part of their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiative, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have developed a National Leadership Journey entitled It's Your Planet—Love It!, in which:

• Girl Scout Daisies explore the world of nature.
  
• Girl Scout Brownies learn about the water cycle.
• Girl Scout Juniors complete energy audits in buildings.
• Girl Scout Cadettes learn to assess air quality.
• Girl Scout Seniors calculate their "food print" and learn kitchen science while preparing a locavore meal.
• Girl Scout Ambassadors "do the math" to figure out how much trash is created and how to reduce it.

The organization's national research report, Generation STEM, investigates "girls' perceptions, attitudes, and interests" in STEM fields "from the voices of girls themselves." Findings are that girls aspire to STEM careers, but need further exposure and education on these careers and how they can make a difference in the world.

Journeys are part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, integrating leadership keys of Discover, Connect, and Take Action, along with the Girl Scout processes of Girl Led, Cooperative Learning, and Learning by Doing.

The girlscouts.org site says, "Girls are being exposed to ideas and discussions on the environment every day and everywhere. Girl Scouts journeys are packed with the latest research and girl-relevant environmental thinking and offer adults a way to interact with girls on topics of great importance in their lives. In this journey series, girls at each grade level have an opportunity to learn about grade-appropriate environmental issues such as clean water and air, noise pollution, global warming, soil contamination, and agricultural processes."

The GSUSA also runs a Forever Green program to track significant, collective, positive impact on our environment. The project was developed by girls, volunteers, alumnae, staff and collaborators for their recent 100th Anniversary honoring Girl Scouts' founder, Juliette Gordon Low.

When combined with the It's Your Planet—Love It! Leadership Journeys, GSFG engages girls to activate their communities in a global effort to protect our planet.

The first Latina GSUSA CEO, Anna Maria Chavez, recently appeared on "Today" to discuss the organization's 100-year legacy of empowering girls to break social, educational and career boundaries.

Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.