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Girl Scouting/Guiding Resource Center
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Program Notes
Embrace Space Space Day is held each year on the Thursday prior to the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's 1961 challenge to "land a man on the moon and return him to earth." For 1998, National Space Day is May 21st. Girl Scouts has become a partner in Space Day to promote girls sharing in the adventure of space and nurturing their love of science, math and technology. Space related Girl Scout program links have been included with this month's Program Notes and can also be found at Web site www.girlscouts.or/girls. In addition, girls can enter an essay contest sponsored by Girl Scouts of the USA. Submissions must be received by Monday May 4, 1998. Contest rules and entry form is available from your Service Unite Manager or the Council office. More information on Space Day can be found at Web site www.spaceday.com. Within our local galaxy, troops can arrange to hold their own space exploration party with the help of MIRA (Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy). Call MIRA at 883-1000 for details.
Science and Girl Scouts As the world has become increasingly high tech, our country has begun examining our ability to compete in technical areas and the human and other resources available to meet the challenge. It has become clear that we need to strengthen our technical position. Research by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the State of Michigan Department of Education points to inequities between boys and girls in math and science education and participation. While girls begin school more competent and as interested in math and science as boys, by the middle school years, girls lag behind in math and science test scores and in their interest in these subject. According to a 1995 report of the US department of Education, 17 year old girls scored four scale points lower than boys on the national mathematics assessment test and were less likely than boys to take science classes such as physics (24 percent vs. 19 percents). Girls are also not as prepared as boys to be a part of the computer age. A recent Harris poll of third to twelfth graders revealed that 15 percent of the boys surveyed said working or playing on the computer was one of their three favorite activities, while only 8 percent of the girls said the same. The long term result is that women are significantly under-represented in math, science and technology career fields. Clearly, girls need informal educational programs to supplement school work if we are to close the gap. For years, Girl Scouts of the USA has encouraged math and science preparation. Math, science and technology recognition including badges, patches and Try Its, are the foundations of Girl Scouting's focus in these areas. Girl Scout leaders play an important role in building girls' focus in these areas. Girl Scout leaders play an important role in building girls' confidence and interest to explore and to have fun with math, science and technology.
Girl Scouts on the Internet The Girl Scouts of the USA has a brand new look for its Web site at http://www.girlscouts.org. The new site is more attractive and easier to use. Visit the Web site and meet the new National Executive Director, retired Navy Rear Admiral Marsha Johnson Evans. Check into the popular Just For Girls page and try out the awesome links directory. You'll find the latest on the new technology badge for Junior Girl Scouts, answers to common questions about the Silver and Gold Awards, and useful announcements to keep you up to date. Don't forget to link to the home page of Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay at www.gsomb.sprynet.com to visit Nibbles the cyber monkey. We love to hear your comments on our Web site. Girls are invited to contribute artwork and activities. Service units interested in linking a Web page can contact Marion Cherry, our volunteer Webmaster by e-mail.
Benefits for Families on the Superhighway A computer that is connected to the internet allows you to turn your home, community center, school, or library into a place of unlimited information and communication. The internet can help your family find educational resources including news, documents, photos, and statistics; get help with homework through on line experts and reference resources; increase reading skills; improve technology and information skills; connect with places around the world; locate parenting information; learn and have fun together.
Software Coupons Girl Scouts of the USA was the recipient of a large donation of software coupons for girls. Each coupon will allow the user to order one piece of software from the selection provided for a $3.95 shipping and handling charge. Girls who do not have computers at home can still redeem the coupon and use the software at a friend's house, at school, or at the library. While supplies last, the coupons will be distributed at April leader meetings.
If you have any comments or questions E-Mail us: Dagmar at dagmar@tcsn.net Lisa at bhomen@aol.com
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