
Geek Is Glam STEM Expo has run as an annual day-long interactive STEM conference for middle school girls (grades 4-8) since 2014. Hosted by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus, GSCWM recruits some 60 to 80 education and adventure collaborators each year to give girls access to some of the region’s top scientific and engineering minds as they engage in the exploration and discovery of science, technology, engineering and mathematics on the beautiful WPI campus. In 2022 an older girl track was added tailored just for girls in grades 9-12.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
For Girls in Grades 4-8
$45 per girl (includes lunch, snacks, a GiG t-shirt, drawstring backpack, and an exclusive GiG patch)
Registration Closes September 21
Have you ever wondered, “How does that work?” or thought to yourself, “I could build that!” Explore, experience and experiment, not for a grade, but for fun! Meet talented women and experience exciting opportunities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Discover how you can make a difference in the world.
This is a girl-only event, adults drop off and do not stay with their girls.
If you have any questions about our Geek is Glam event please email us at info@gscwm.org
At Geek is Glam, you'll enjoy:
Whatever your future holds, a career in STEM can help you want to make a difference today-and in the future! Discover your career possibilities and take the next step to changing the world during StemEx at GiG! This track of GiG for Seniors and Ambassadors still has a trip to the Expo Hall and of course, the college dining hall experience! A GiG T-shirt, drawstring backpack, lunch, snacks and patch are all included.This track of GiG has limited spaces available-don't wait! Work toward earning your STEM Career Exploration Badge and leave with information on how to complete it, and your badge. What career might YOU decide to explore?
Open to individual girls.
Register through GSCWM by September 18.
This is a girl-only event, adults drop off and do not stay with their girls.
We are looking for adults to volunteer with us for the day! If you would like to be a part of this great event, please fill out our Volunteer Interest form at https://forms.office.com/r/5KTyCcba5u. Volunteers are needed to assist in workshops, run registration, direct girls, be hall monitors, and various other opportunities. All volunteers must be a registered member of Girl Scouts, have an active CORI on file with GSCWM, and understand they will not be with their troop or daughter for the day. The first 35 approved volunteers will receive a Geek is Glam t-shirt and all volunteers get lunch on us!
This event is made possible by our wonderful sponsors. Would you like to join that list? Please fill out this form and return it to TBreen@gscwm.org to help us inspire our girls to a future in STEM!
Geek is Glam Media Kit
Geek is Glam Sponsorship Form & Information
We’d love to have you join us at our STEM GIG. Would you like to offer hands-on interactive workshops? Would you like to reserve a table during our Expo Hall? Would you like to put on a demonstration during our event? Are you interested in sitting on career panels and inspiring girls into STEM related fields with YOUR story? Please fill out the Expo Participation Form found at: https://forms.office.com/r/9pyXSpYYBW and help us inspire tomorrow’s STEM leaders TODAY!
Workshop | Description | Grades | Sessions |
Lunch | An all-you-can eat lunch in the college dining hall with more choices than you can ever imagine! Options available for all diets, dietary restrictions and likes! Clean kitchen and seating area also available. All girls MUST pick one lunch session, either Lunch Session 2 OR Lunch Session 3. | Gr 4-8 | 2, 3 |
Expo Hall | Hands-on, interactive, informative and yes- SUPER FUN - Expo Hall is wall-to-wall STEM excitement! The hall has robots, Giant Games, experiments, demonstrations, raffles and so much more! All girls MUST pick only one Expo session; the Expo is offered during Sessions 3, 4, 5 and 6. | Gr 4-8 | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
Biomimicry: Nature-inspired Engineering Solutions | Biomimicry is the science and art of studying nature’s best ideas and then imitating these designs and processes to solve human problems. Animals rely on their skeletons for moving and especially their skulls for eating. How are animal skulls and teeth engineered to do these jobs? We will examine a variety of animal skulls from an engineering point of view, taking a close look at the function of teeth and beaks, eye placement and shape of the skull. What problems do they solve, and how could those relate to people? Use what you learn to brainstorm engineering solutions to solve these real-world problems with Mass Audubon. | Gr 4-5 | 1, 2 |
Bridges! | Do a whole bunch of hands-on activities and learn all about bridges with the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. We will make small span bridge with building blocks, large arches with big foam blocks, cable stay bridges with cardboard boxes and ropes, and much more! | Gr 4-8 | 1 (Full), 2 (Full) |
Budget Sense | Are you curious about what your future might look like as a mid-20-year-old? Imagine driving your dream car, living in a beautiful house, having fun-filled activities, and doing all the things you love! Budget Sense is here to help you turn those dreams into reality! Design your dream life as a mid-20-year-old and see if your career can fund your ideal lifestyle with United Way of Central Massachusetts-Women's Initiative (Dollar $cholar). | Gr 6-8 | 1, 2, 3 |
Campus Tour | Take a campus tour with Worcester Polytechnic Institute college students! Get your questions ready and ask an actual student what it's really like to be in college while touring the beautiful campus. | Gr 4-8 | 5, 6 |
Chemical Engineering with a BOOM! | Did you know chemical engineering is one of the most diverse engineering fields? Come learn how chemical engineers harness catalysts to speed up chemical reactions with WPI's Chemical Graduate Student Organization. | Gr 6-8 | 4, 5, 6 |
Chocolate DNA Decoding | How does DNA "work"? In this simple activity with Pioneer Valley STEM, you will be given a DNA sequence to decode! Your code will spell out the name of a different type of chocolate. But be careful, if you make a mistake it could cause a mutation! | Gr 4-5 | 3, 4 (Full), 5 (Full) |
Crash Course on Healthy Eating | Learn about Myplate, the importance of eating healthy and a well-balanced diet, review macro and micro nutrients, along with what it means to eat a rainbow! And then put what you've learned to work by creating a fun veggie rainbow pinwheel with SNAP-ed from Ascentria Care Alliance. | Gr 6-8 | 1 |
Creative Arts and Ocean Advocacy | Did you know that you can use art to speak up for our oceans? Art is a powerful tool for sparking conversations, building connections to the ocean, and deepening your own understanding of ocean issues. Join Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs to learn about our scholarship opportunities, explore an ocean art gallery, and find inspiration from young artists worldwide. | Gr 6-8 | 1 (Full), 2 (Full) |
CSI: Massachusetts | We need your help! A crime has been committed and we need your sharp eyes and minds to collect and analyze evidence. Come learn about documenting and processing a crime scene with Bay Path University and what happens to different types of evidence. You will learn some basic skills used by investigators and forensic examiners, and you will have a chance to analyze some of the evidence yourself! | Gr 6-8 | 4, 5 |
Cyber Safety | Learn about the real-life uses of technology and keeping yourself safe online with The Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.! Learn what information can be shared, and what needs to be kept private. Learn to be careful about who you trust online and how social media can affect your future. You can apply what you learn toward the NEW Cyberbullying Badges (not included). | Gr 4-8 | 1, 2 |
Flower Power | Meet a garden educator and learn about what it's like to work at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Hear about our different program offerings and participate in a flower dissection activity from our Juniors Flower Power program. Get up close and personal with flowers as you investigate the process of pollination and work towards your Flowers Badge (badge not included). | Gr 4-5 | 1, 2 |
Force and Magnetism | Review the basics of force and motion with the Discovery Museum and explore ideas of balanced and unbalanced forces while working with and learning about magnetic force. Applying what you learn, construct an original moving toy of your own design that uses the force of magnetism to operate. | Gr 4-5 | 1, 2 |
Green Chemistry: What Is It? | Chemistry is cool and you can make a lot of amazing materials with it! How can we help make better materials that are better for the environment? Come make a green glue with Worcester State University and learn how green chemistry can help save the environment while meeting our industrial needs. | Gr 4-5 | 3, 4 (Full) |
Helping to Defend Our Nation- The Role that Scientists and Engineers Play in National Defense | The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (DEVCOM Soldier Center) is the national and international leader in Warfighter science and technology development. The center’s world-class scientists, engineers and equipment designers provide American forces with a wide range of field feeding and life support systems, clothing, precision airdrop systems, and ballistic, chemical, and laser protection systems. Simply put, Soldier Center does its best to ensure that personnel are healthy, fed and protected. In this workshop you'll briefly learn a bit about the variety of work that occurs at Soldier Center before taking on your own challenge. Can you design your own Airdrop Delivery System? Resupply can mean life or death in the field, and a system that can get personnel food, medicine and equipment in times of need is of the utmost importance. Come and join for a fascinating and fun workshop! | Gr 6-8 | 6 |
How Astronomers Take Those Amazing Images: Astrophotography! | Aldrich Astronomical Socienty, Inc. member Bruce Card, an astrophotographer, will walk you though different stages of making your own deep space image! Produce your own cosmic image with simple computer skills and captured images. | Gr 6-8 | 1 |
How We're Going to Save the World-A Look into Nuclear Energy | Calling all young change-makers! Join Grow With STEM for an exhilarating adventure as we embark on a mission to save the world! In this fun and interactive workshop, we'll be diving headfirst into the fascinating world of nuclear energy and its potential role in combating climate change. | Gr 6-8 | 1, 2 |
I'm Crafting, It's Sparkling | Did you know we can make science, engineering, and art at the same time? Would you like to create a post-card that lights up with us? Come and design and make a post-card integrated with electronics with Worcester Polytechnic Institute. We'll be learning about how electronic devices can be on soft materials without you realizing it! | Gr 6-8 | 1 (Full), 3 (Full) |
Kaleidoscopes | Kaleidoscopes work on the principle of multiple reflections. The mirrors reflect the images of objects inside, creating a symmetrical pattern. When you look at the reflection in one mirror, you see light that has come from the object or image and bounced off the mirror. Make your own kaleidoscope and learn about the principle of multiple reflections with the Division of Youth Opportunities. | Gr 4-5 | 4, 5, 6 |
Know the Skin You're In! | Join UMass Dermatology Interest Group as we learn more about skin health and being a skin doctor through arts & crafts! Learn about the layers of your skin, what makes a pimple, and what to do when you touch poison ivy through making models, bracelets, and games! | Gr 4-5 | 1 ,2, 3, 4 |
LEGO Engineering Challenge | Solve real-world challenges using LEGOs! And guess what? You'll get to take home your creation! You'll work to complete the engineering challenge of the day. | Gr 4-8 | 6 |
LEGO Environmental Challenge | Solve real-world chaellenges using LEGOs! And guess what? You'll get to take home your creation! You'll work to complete the environmental challenge of the day. | Gr 4-8 | 5 |
Light & Lasers | Compare white light and laser light with the Discovery Museum and identify key properties including how light must be reflected in order to be seen. Work with flashlights, prisms, lenses, and a variety of materials that block, reflect, or allow light to pass through. | Gr 6-8 | 4 (Full) |
Meet a Meteorologist | Get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a local television Meteorologist, including the technology used to broadcast and produce the daily forecast. Plus, learn some forecasting tips without the use of advanced computer models. You've seen Kelly Ann Cicalese on WCVB NewsCenter 5's Weekend Eye Opener-now meet her in person and find out what it takes to be a meteorologist! | Gr 4-8 | 1 |
Meet and Greet with Miss Massachusetts | You'll hear Miss Massachusetts speak during her keynote address at GiG but meet Chelsea Vuong up close and personal! Learn about her college journey at Harvard, her community service initiative Dollars and "Cents" for Financial Freedom, the non-profit that she cofounded FinancialMile, the scholarship opportunity of the Miss Massachusetts pageant, and her pursuit of the Miss America crown. You'll have plenty of opportunity for all of your questions, to talk to her directly, and of course-take those selfies! | Gr 4-8 | 1 |
Mind Games: Think, Learn & Have Fun!!! | Learn more about how you think so that you can be safer, a better student, and a better communicator with Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD, LLC. You'll participate in games which illustrate your strengths and weaknesses as you sense, perceive, think, learn, remember, make decisions, respond, and multi-task. We'll also discuss careers in human factors/ergonomics, which combines knowledge of engineering and psychology to design products which are safe, easy, and fun to use. IMPORTANT: this workshop is photographed for a slideshow during the program which is then shared with the participants following the program; by registering for this workshop all participants agree to have their photo taken for the purpose of the slideshow only. | Gr 4-8 | 1(Full), 2(Full), 5(Full), 6(Full) |
Paper Circuit Cards | Create functional circuits inside of greeting cards with Smith Society of Women Engineers. Learn about circuits while using your creativity to create a work of art! | Gr 4-8 | 3, 4 (Full) |
Pellet Pickers | Owl pellets are ecological Rosetta Stones. Scientists use them to understand everything from the health of an individual owl to the strength of an entire ecosystem. But what's an owl pellet, you ask? Join an EcoTarium educator to find out, and then examine pellets yourself to find bones, plants, insects, and more! Use your mathematical skills to divide what's what's left over after an owl chows down, then stretch your reasoning to draw conclusions about a habitat and its inhabitants. | Gr 4-8 | 1, 2, 4, 5 (Full), 6 (Full) |
Physics is Fun! | Come check out this workshop to learn about all kinds of Physics! There will be several stations for you to learn through playing with physics demonstrations. Come learn about the world around us and why we think physics is fun! | Gr 4-8 | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
The Physics Show | Come see the Physics Show! The Physics Department of the University of Massachusetts Amherst will bring out all kinds of big & exciting demonstrations. From dancing molecules to flying beach balls and more, it will be the most fun you'll have learning! | Gr 4-8 | 6 |
Polymers All Around Us | Learn about all aspects of polymer science, specifically chemistry, physics and engineering from UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering. This is a highly interactive workshop with the goal of encouraging thought and discussion of how polymers impact our lives on a daily basis. Numerous hands-on demonstrations are performed throughout the program, including the Poly-Human, super-absorbent polymers, and slime. | Gr 4-8 | 2 (Full), 4(Full) |
Robotics Playground with the Parity Bits | Learn about competitive robotics and coding with Lexington High School's All-Girls Robotics Team, The Parity Bits. Explore engineering through driving a robot, navigating a Sphero maze, making custom pins, and other hands-on activities. Talk with team members to learn about STEM in high school! | Gr 4-8 | 5, 6 |
The Science of Helping Others Hear and Speak | Come learn about the science of how we hear, speak and breathe with Worcester State University! Whether you are texting, talking or listening, there is so much that happens in our brains to help us communicate with our family and friends. | Gr 6-8 | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
Sounds All Around | Abby the Labrador retriever is coughing and does not want to go on her daily walk. What is wrong with her? Come to this workshop and put your engineering skills to work to design a listening device to figure out what is wrong with her. Faculty and students from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University will guide you through this process. | Gr 6-8 | 1, 2, 3, 4 (Full) |
Starting a Successful Business - Empowering Young Entrepreneurs | Calling all aspiring young entrepreneurs! Are you interested in exploring the world of business while delving into the exciting realms of STEM? If so, this workshop with TiE Boston's TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Academy is tailored just for you! | Gr 6-8 | 5 (Full), 6 (Full) |
Suited-up for Success- the Women of Aerospace Behind an Astronaut’s Wardrobe | David Clark Company Incorporated are here to tell you about the unconventional (and occasionally accidental) paths they took to achieve fulfilling careers in aerospace. | Gr 4-8 | 4, 5, 6 |
Suit Up for Space! | Time to get your hands on a real space suit! Learn what it takes to design and build your own. Even practice getting inside one with David Clark Company Incorporated. This is a rotating hands-on workshop geared towards showing you some of the skills you might need to create a full pressure suit, and even use it once you've got it all together! | Gr 4-5 | 1, 2, 3 |
What's Happening with Our Air? Let's Get Outside & Find Out! | Let's go outside and use tools and instruments to see how our air quality is impacted by human activities. We'll explore, collect data, and try to understand what's going on with Westfield State University. | Gr 4-8 | 3, 4 |
Wildlife Diseases: Methods for Tracking Global Health | How do diseases spread, and how do we find them? Join a Wildlife Biologist, Kristin Godfrey from National Ecological Observatory Network - Battelle to learn about how ecosystem health impacts human health. We will also see different methods for detecting diseases in nature, and discuss what situations make diseases more likely to spread. | Gr 4-8 | 1, 3 |
Windmills with the WPI Engineering Ambassadors | Windmills convert the energy in the wind to mechanical energy which can be used to do work. This mechanical energy can be used in this form to do things like pump water or lift things. The mechanical energy can also be converted to electricity using a generator. In this hands-on activity with the WPI Engineering Ambassadors, you are going to design and test a windmill that will use its mechanical energy to lift a number of coins. | Gr 4-8 | 2, 3 |
Your Place in Space | Are you fascinated by space? Come explore the mysteries of our galaxy (and beyond!) with the guidance of an EcoTarium educator. This is a great opportunity to work toward your Space Science Investigator Badge. Join us for an “out of this world” hands-on experience, and become a part of the next generation of leaders in the rapidly growing space industry! | Gr 4-5 | 1, 2, 4, 5 (Full), 6 (Full) |
Do hands-on STEM activities, see James Web Space Telescope display images, see meteorites and a rotating solary system, and more with Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. during the Expo Hall.
Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. member Bruce Card, an astrophotographer, will walk you though different stages of making your own deep space image! Produce your own cosmic image with simple computer skills and captured images.
Dig into archaeology with the Archaeological Institute of America and find out what it's all about!
We need your help! A crime has been committed and we need your sharp eyes and minds to collect and analyze evidence. Come learn about documenting and processing a crime scene with Bay Path University and what happens to different types of evidence. You will learn some basic skills used by investigators and forensic examiners, and you will have a chance to analyze some of the evidence yourself!
Bay Path University's table at the Expo Hall will have plenty of hands on neuroscience, molecular biology, and anthropology models!
Stop by the Bose Corporation table for an interactive experience, Bose products, the popular selfie-backdrop, Environmental Sustainability and prizes!
Do a whole bunch of hands-on activities and learn all about bridges with the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. We will make small span bridge with building blocks, large arches with big foam blocks, cable stay bridges with cardboard boxes and ropes, and much more! Be sure to stop by their table in the Expo Hall too for more fun and information about a contest YOU can enter!
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs provides an innovative space for teens to connect, create, and communicate for our ocean. Working at the intersection of ocean science and arts education, our award-winning programming emphasizes creative thinking and making in exploring the natural world. Stop by our table during the Expo Hall to learn about our scholarship opportunities and to explore student art or take our Creative Arts and Ocean Advocacy workshop.
Meet professionals in many fields from Petricore, Ascentria Care Alliance, Bose Corporation, Worcester State University Chemistry Department, Mazzetti, National Ecological Observatory Network-Battelle, Westfield State University Chemistry and Physical Sciences Department, EcoTarium, and David Clark Company, Inc. during our Career Exploration panels! Plenty of time to learn all about many STEM fields and ask your questions!
Abby the Labrador retriever is coughing and does not want to go on her daily walk. What is wrong with her? Come to this workshop and put your engineering skills to work to design a listening device to figure out what is wrong with her. Faculty and students from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University will guide you through this process.
Time to get your hands on a real space suit! Learn what it takes to design and build your own. Even practice getting inside one with David Clark Company Incorporated. This is a rotating hands-on workshop geared towards showing you some of the skills you might need to create a full pressure suit, and even use it once you've got it all together!
Review the basics of force and motion with the Discovery Museum and explore ideas of balanced and unbalanced forces while working with and learning about magnetic force. Applying what you learn, construct an original moving toy of your own design that uses the force of magnetism to operate. OR compare white light and laser light and identify key properties including how light must be reflected in order to be seen. Work with flashlights, prisms, lenses, and a variety of materials that block, reflect, or allow light to pass through.
Kaleidoscopes work on the principle of multiple reflections. The mirrors reflect the images of objects inside, creating a symmetrical pattern. When you look at the reflection in one mirror, you see light that has come from the object or image and bounced off the mirror. Make your own kaleidoscope and learn about the principle of multiple reflections with the Division of Youth Opportunities.
Join DUPONT during the Expo Hall and learn about light exposure and development of images with a hands-on activity. Explore the world of light through prisim glasses and maybe even take home your own pair!
Owl pellets are ecological Rosetta Stones. Scientists use them to understand everything from the health of an individual owl to the strength of an entire ecosystem. But what's an owl pellet, you ask? Join an EcoTarium educator to find out, and then examine pellets yourself to find bones, plants, insects, and more! Use your mathematical skills to divide what's what's left over after an owl chows down, then stretch your reasoning to draw conclusions about a habitat and its inhabitants. OR Are you fascinated by space? Come explore the mysteries of our galaxy (and beyond!) with the guidance of an EcoTarium educator. This is a great opportunity to work toward your Space Science Investigator Badge. Join us for an “out of this world” hands-on experience, and become a part of the next generation of leaders in the rapidly growing space industry!
Learn more about how you think so that you can be safer, a better student, and a better communicator. You'll participate in 20-25 games which illustrate your strengths and weaknesses as you sense, perceive, think, learn, remember, make decisions, respond, and multi-task. We'll also discuss careers in human factors/ergonomics, which combines knowledge of engineering and psychology to design products which are safe, easy, and fun to use. Everyone participates in some activities and some adventuresome participants will participate "on stage". You may even win a prize with Education by Entertainment!
Heard about 3D printers? Although the technology has been around for over 30 years, the personal 3D printer movement makes anything seem possible. In this fast-paced workshop with Einstein's Workshop, you'll get to learn about 3D printers, discuss the history of the technology, then dive into some basic 3D design. Find out what careers use 3D printing, and how you can get into them! And then learn about curve stitching and make and take home a beautiful geometric pattern by stitching simple lines during the Expo Hall.
Check out the tools used by the National Weather Service meteorologists to forecast the weather. Other information will also be provided at our Expo table to check out how the collected data is used in forecasting up to 7 days in advance....24 hours a day, 7 days a week!!
Calling all young change-makers! Join Grow With STEM for an exhilarating adventure as we embark on a mission to save the world! In this fun and interactive workshop, we'll be diving headfirst into the fascinating world of nuclear energy and its potential role in combating climate change. And be sure to visit their presentation in the Expo Hall and get hands-on with an interactive craft activity and create your own Glow-in-the-Dark Nuclear Slime!
Come see the world with the GSCWM International Travel Program! Learn how STEM ties into each of our upcoming trips. We will have a variety of trip options to explore including Central America, Europe, Asia and even a domestic trip for those who do not yet have passports. Come learn about how travel can help our Girl Scouts grow!
Come see cool robots you can use in your house. And, try your hand at putting one together! While you are there, try coding our educational robot to see how robots move and work with iRobot.
Biomimicry is the science and art of studying nature’s best ideas and then imitating these designs and processes to solve human problems. Animals rely on their skeletons for moving and especially their skulls for eating. How are animal skulls and teeth engineered to do these jobs? We will examine a variety of animal skulls from an engineering point of view, taking a close look at the function of teeth and beaks, eye placement and shape of the skull. What problems do they solve, and how could those relate to people? Use what you learn to brainstorm engineering solutions to solve these real-world problems with Mass Audubon.
What does it take to become a mechanic engineer in the AEC industry? And what does that even mean? Meet a mechanic engineer from Mazzetti and find out during a Career Panel!
Learn more about how you think so that you can be safer, a better student, and a better communicator with Ronald G. Shapiro, PhD, LLC. You'll participate in games which illustrate your strengths and weaknesses as you sense, perceive, think, learn, remember, make decisions, respond, and multi-task. We'll also discuss careers in human factors/ergonomics, which combines knowledge of engineering and psychology to design products which are safe, easy, and fun to use.
IMPORTANT: this workshop is photographed for a slideshow during the program which is then shared with the participants following the program; by registering for this workshop all participants agree to have their photo taken for the purpose of the slideshow only.
Mystic Aquarium will be in the Expo Hall with activities, a craft, dried specimens and more. You might even win tickets to the aquarium or stress squish animals!
Talk knotwork with the Mystic Seaport Museum and even use their tools to make rope! Don't forget to grab a brochuse and learn all about the Girl Scout programs that they provide.
How do diseases spread, and how do we find them? Join a Wildlife Biologist, Kristin Godfrey from National Ecological Observatory Network - Battelle to learn about how ecosystem health impacts human health. We will also see different methods for detecting diseases in nature, and discuss what situations make diseases more likely to spread.
We are happy to welcome back National Grid! Be sure to stop by their table in the Expo Hall and attend a Career Panel to learn all about National Grid and the STEM fields they employ!
You LOVE Star Wars-the Expo Hall will have photo opps with some of your favorite droids! R2-D2, R2-KT and Chopper will join us-have those cameras ready! Be sure to check out New England 501st Group's table to also see the inner workings of droids, and other fun props!
Meet a garden educator and learn about what it's like to work at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Hear about our different program offerings and participate in a flower dissection activity from our Juniors Flower Power program. Get up close and personal with flowers as you investigate the process of pollination and work towards your Flowers Badge (badge not included).
Learn how Morse Code allows you to spell out messages using light or sound. Practice using some sample code keys, and assemble a take-home LED code key project. Learn how you can participate in FREE online classes in Morse Code and Amateur Radio through New England Sci-Tech. Girls who go for the full technician level radio license will receive a FREE amateur radio portable transceiver.
Do some hands-on aviation activities with The Ninety-Nines, Inc. and get information about aviation career paths and scholarships.
Learn about the real-life uses of technology and keeping yourself safe online with The Office of District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.! Learn what information can be shared, and what needs to be kept private. Learn to be careful about who you trust online and how social media can affect your future. You can apply what you learn toward the NEW Cyberbullying Badges (not included).
Learn about competitive robotics and coding with Lexington High School's All-Girls Robotics Team, The Parity Bits. Explore engineering through driving a robot, navigating a Sphero maze, making custom pins, and other hands-on activities. Talk with team members to learn about STEM in high school!
Learn all about Petricore's latest video game project and what they do, and find out what it takes to be a women in the world of gaming at the Expo Hall!
How does DNA "work"? In this simple activity with Pioneer Valley STEM, you will be given a DNA sequence to decode! Your code will spell out the name of a different type of chocolate. But be careful, if you make a mistake it could cause a mutation!
Hands-on science and learning with live arthropods courtesy of Professor Bugman Entomology Adventures!
Record Robitics (Belmont STEAM Alliance Corp.) will be in the Expo Hall with FIRST Robitic comp robot demonstrations and a button-making activity!
What does it take to build a robot? Come and visit Smith College's Robotics Outreach Initiative's expo to get your hands on some robots and find out. Our expo will include hands-on activities with LEGO MINDSTORMS robots that will teach you about the engineering process and specifically the designing, building, and coding of robots. We will also have a crafting station hosted by additional members of the Smith College STEAM Team!
Create functional circuits inside of greeting cards with Smith Society of Women Engineers. Learn about circuits while using your creativity to create a work of art!
Learn about Myplate, the importance of eating healthy and a well-balanced diet, review macro and micro nutrients, along with what it means to eat a rainbow! And then put what you've learned to work by creating a fun veggie rainbow pinwheel with SNAP-ed from Ascentria Care Alliance. Don't forget to stop by their table during the Expo for a science seed activity!
How "cool" is science? Negative 321 degrees, that's how! Join Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream in the Expo Hall for some really cool science experiments, nitrogen and ice cream samples!
Calling all aspiring young entrepreneurs! Are you interested in exploring the world of business while delving into the exciting realms of STEM? If so, this workshop is tailored just for you! In this dynamic and interactive program, you will embark on an inspiring journey where you will learn to combine your innovative ideas, scientific knowledge, and critical thinking skills to create your own businesses and products with TiE Boston's TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Academy. Don't forget to check out their table in the Expo Hall too!
Learn about all aspects of polymer science, specifically chemistry, physics and engineering from UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering. This is a highly interactive workshop with the goal of encouraging thought and discussion of how polymers impact our lives on a daily basis. Numerous hands-on demonstrations are performed throughout the program, including the Poly-Human, super-absorbent polymers, and slime.
Learn about all aspects of polymer science, specifically chemistry, physics and engineering from UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering. This is a highly interactive workshop with the goal of encouraging thought and discussion of how polymers impact our lives on a daily basis. Numerous hands-on demonstrations are performed throughout the program, including the Poly-Human, super-absorbent polymers, and slime.
Do some candy chromatography with UMass Association of Women in Science!
Join UMass Dermatology Interest Group as we learn more about skin health and being a skin doctor! Learn about the layers of your skin, what makes a pimple, and what to do when you touch poison ivy or get a bug bite.
Come check out this workshop to learn about all kinds of Physics! There will be several stations for you to learn through playing with physics demonstrations. Come learn about the world around us and why the Physics Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst thinks physics is fun! And if that wasn't enough, sign up for The Physics Show or stop by their table at the Expo!
Are you curious about what your future might look like as a mid-20-year-old? Imagine driving your dream car, living in a beautiful house, having fun-filled activities, and doing all the things you love! Budget Sense is here to help you turn those dreams into reality! Design your dream life as a mid-20-year-old and see if your career can fund your ideal lifestyle with United Way of Central Massachusetts-Women's Initiative (Dollar $cholar).
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a local television Meteorologist, including the technology used to broadcast and produce the daily forecast. Plus, learn some forecasting tips without the use of advanced computer models. You've seen Kelly Ann Cicalese on WCVB NewsCenter 5's Weekend Eye Opener-now meet her in person and find out what it takes to be a meteorologist!
Let's go outside and use tools and instruments to see how our air quality is impacted by human activities. We'll explore, collect data, and try to understand what's going on with Westfield State University.
Do an interactive STEM activity during the Expo with a team of Western MA Girl Scout Leaders that you can even apply toward a badge!
Meet a nurse from the Worcester Department of Public Health and learn about the many roles of a Public Health Nurse and the skills needed to help keep communities safe.
Did you know we can make science, engineering, and art at the same time? Would you like to create a post-card that lights up with us? Come and design and make a post-card integrated with electronics with Worcester Polytechnic Institute. We'll be learning about how electronic devices can be on soft materials without you realizing it!
Visit the Worcester Railers Hockey Club and try your hand at a mini hockey shootout, pick up some Railers giveaway items, and information on our 2023-2024 season-including a GSCWM badge-in-a-day event!
Chemistry is cool and you can make a lot of amazing materials with it! How can we help make better materials that are better for the environment? Come make a green glue with Worcester State University and learn how green chemistry can help save the environment while meeting our industrial needs.
Come learn about the science of how we hear, speak and breathe with Worcester State University! Whether you are texting, talking or listening, there is so much that happens in our brains to help us communicate with our family and friends.
Did you know chemical engineering is one of the most diverse engineering fields? Come learn how chemical engineers harness catalysts to speed up chemical reactions with WPI's Chemical Graduate Student Organization.
Windmills convert the energy in the wind to mechanical energy which can be used to do work. This mechanical energy can be used in this form to do things like pump water or lift things. The mechanical energy can also be converted to electricity using a generator. In this hands-on activity with the WPI Engineering Ambassadors, you are going to design and test a windmill that will use its mechanical energy to lift a number of coins.
Did you know we can make science, engineering, and art at the same time? Would you like to create a post-card that lights up with us? Come and design and make a post-card integrated with electronics with Sparkle STEM Community of WPI. We'll be learning about how electronic devices can be on soft materials without you realizing it!
This event is designed for girls only. Girls gain great independence and social skills working in groups with girls only. *If your child needs special accommodations, please contact Tammy Breen at tbreen@gscwm.org.
Please see above. We are looking for a large crew of volunteers to help in various roles at the event (not stay with their troop/girl or participate). Volunteers for the event MUST be registered, CORI’d adults who understand they are not going to be with their daughter or girls. If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please fill out our Volunteer Interest form at https://forms.office.com/r/5KTyCcba5u.
GSCWM staff and registered, CORI’d volunteers, WPI staff and faculty, and 2 nursing supervisors and/or EMTs will be present for the event and will more than cover proper adult/girl ratios as set forth by GSUSA and GSCWM.
Try explaining what she can expect at the event. Talk about the fun, new things she will learn, and the new friends she will make. You can relate this event to being away from home during a day of school. If she is still not comfortable, then she may not be ready for this type of event-and that is okay! We have many other programs and events scheduled this year where you can stay and participate with your child.
You would be contacted on your phone/cell phone you listed on the permission slip given to us the day of the event during the event. Prior to the event you may be contacted by phone/cell phone or e-mail.
No. There are many reasons why we need to add on additional workshops within the first couple of weeks once registration opens. We cannot switch girls out of workshops once they have signed up.
Lunch will be provided in the WPI college dining hall! Additionally, snacks and drinks will be provided during the day.
The dining hall offers many food choices and is accustomed to providing choices to accommodate different food concerns. Your child will have many options available to her. We will not have refrigeration available to us but if you feel you need to send a lunch or her snacks, please provide her with something she will be able to carry in her backpack.
The dining hall has a “clean” kitchen where your daughter can choose from many options for lunch that should meet any severe food allergy requests. There will also be gluten-free, nut-free table options clearly marked and staff available to help guide in decisions. If your child needs to bring their own lunch and snacks, it will need to be something she can carry around with her in her backpack.
Yes, all girls will be required to bring an event permission slip with them and they will be collected at drop off. The event permission slip will be sent to you in your confirmation packet prior to the event and must be returned to council staff at drop off; do NOT send to council prior.
The workshops are intended to be groups of 15-20 girls unless otherwise noted.
Yes! Your child will be able to pick from a large variety of workshops when you register for the event. When you register on-line, you will be able to see immediately if workshops have openings and know what you are enrolled in. If registering by paper, registrations and workshops will be entered on a first-come basis. When registering by paper, you will not have the ability to see immediately what workshops are still available. For this reason, we ask that you register on-line. Due to many factors such as last minute cancellations, unforeseen circumstances, etc., girls do not receive confirmations of workshops until the day of the event when they will receive their schedules.
All our exciting workshops are being run by professionals in their fields! From college professors to zoo keepers to scientists, every workshop is being presented by those who do it best! Each workshop will have GSCWM staff members and/or volunteers to assist in the program as well and to meet girl/adult ratios.
The press attends this event yearly to help spread the word about girls doing great things in STEM. GSCWM also takes photos to use in our publications and social efforts. If you do not want your daughter photographed for these purposes, you need to note that on the registration under “other” and on her permission slip. A yellow sticker is placed on her name tag and every adult is aware she cannot be photographed. Have a conversation with your daughter so she is aware of what the sticker is for IF APPROPRIATE, and so that she can actively take part in meeting your concerns.
Everything from the lunch in the dining hall, t-shirt, drawstring backpack, a GiG patch, workshops, expo, demonstrations, hands-on activities, program supplies, and snack is included in this one-low price.
You will tell us! You will be prompted to provide your child’s size during the registration process. Girls will receive their t-shirts at the event. No exchanges can be made.
Yes, an exclusive GiG patch goes to all girls registered by the close date!
We have a limited amount of financial assistance available. Please fill out the event FA form available on our website and submit it to Tammy Breen at TBreen@gscwm.org.
We of course would LOVE for your daughter to be a Girl Scout but if she is not already one, that is okay! This is the PERFECT program for girls who have never been part of the Girl Scout experience to come and see what it’s all about! And of course, if she has a FUNtastic time-she can always become a Girl Scout later!
A uniform is not required but we always love to see girls showing their Girl Scout pride! It is up to the individual girl whether she wears her uniform or not. Keep in mind some of the workshops may be messy. And many girls chose to change into their GiG t-shirts anyway!
We hate to see your child miss out on any part of this day but we understand there are special circumstances. Please contact Tammy Breen at TBreen@gscwm.org and she will work with you to make sure your child can experience this day. There is not a price adjustment for being dropped off late or leaving early, you are paying for a full “spot”.
This is a girl-only event and we would love to have any girl in grade 4th-8th join us.
Absolutely! The more the merrier! If your child’s friend is a girl and also in grade 4th-8th, we’d love to have her join us for this event!
Absolutely! If she is in grades 9-12, she can volunteer for the event. Have her reach out directly to Alysha Stevens at AStevens@gscwm.org letting her know her interested and grade. OR she can register for our older-girl track (information coming soon!), which is a separate event for girls in grades 9-12 and she will still get to visit the Expo Hall, have lunch in the dining hall, receive the t-shirt, backpack, and a GiG patch. Watch website for information coming soon!
Email or write us before or on September 16 to get a refund if you’re not going to attend Geek is Glam or StemEX. We’ll refund all but a $5 cancellation fee per person. We’re sorry, but we don’t offer refunds for not showing up or if you arrive late or leave the event early.