“Encouraging young people to be makers of things…
not just consumers of things.” President Obama
Yesterday President Obama announced his “Educate to Innovate” initiative to inspire young scientist to pursue more science, technology and math. The White House announced several national events, including National Lab Day the first week in May, all in an effort to inspire more students to get excited about STEM. The President will also host a national science fair at the White House to celebrate young scientist and their accomplishments.
Girlstart applauds this effort to bring STEM education to the forefront as a national priority.
Add comment November 24, 2009
Trick or Treat
Halloween is only a few Saturdays away and coming up with the perfect party idea can be challenging. Use one of these at your next event and you are sure to be the crowd favorite.
Screeching Balloon – Perfect for Kids Halloween Party
Materials:
Latex balloon
Brass Hex Nut
I would recommend having enough for each person.
1. Put one hex nut into balloon
2. Blow up balloon and tie. Children may need help with this
3. Hold the balloon in one hand and shake in circular motion (similar to stirring chocolate milk)
4. Stop and listen to the horrible noise
Keep in mind the age group you are hosting. The hex nuts can be a choking hazard and potential popping balloons can frighten small children.
Foaming Pumpkin
Materials:
Pre-carved pumpkin
Small block of dry ice*
Hammer to break dry ice
Warm (not hot) tap water
Dial Dish Soap
1. Place carved pumpkin on water resistant surface or place towels under pumpkin to help with clean up
2. Pour warm water into pumpkin, filling the entire bottom but below the level of the carved mouth
3. Use hammer to break dry ice into pieces…IMPORTANT to break within grocery bag
4. Use tongs or gloves to place a few pieces into pumpkin (pumpkin should begin to “smoke”)
5. For additional effect, add Dial dish soap to produce foam
6. Put pumpkin lid back on and ENJOY the CHEERS!!!
* Dry ice information: Dry ice is sold in most grocery stores as flat square slabs a few inches thick. Dry ice must be handled with care as it is -109.3°F (-78.5°C). It must be handled using gloves or tongs, as it will cause severe burns if it comes in contact with your skin. Never put dry ice into your mouth. Dry ice turns from a solid into a gas – a process called sublimation. In other words, the dry ice will literally vanish in about a day depending on the amount purchased. Purchase dry ice as close to time needed as possible. A Styrofoam ice chest with a loose fitting lid works best for storing. Do not store in regular freezer, the dry ice is colder than your freezer temperature.
For more crowd pleasing ideas stop by Girlstart’s 2nd annual Spooky Science Extravaganza on Saturday, October 24th from 12-3pm at the Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center. The best family-friendly Halloween Science Event in Austin. Admission is FREE, to learn more visit www.girlstart.org/spookyscience.asp.
Add comment October 15, 2009
Follow the LeadHER
Greetings friends,
Did you hear the news? Yesterday, Dr. Elinor Ostrom was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics! She is the first woman to receive this prestigious honor. What struck me is that Dr. Ostrom is a pioneer! She was prevented from taking trigonometry when in high school because her teachers didn’t think she would need it—not to mention that her teachers thought she wouldn’t be good at it. How wrong they were! Check out this great audio interview from National Public Radio, and remember: keep on your important work!!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113725519
Tamara
Add comment October 13, 2009
Changing Girls’ Lives
Special thanks to Rob Cunningham and FOX7 Austin for creating Girlstart’s new video!
Add comment September 25, 2009
Girlstart Welcomes New Executive Director, Tamara Hudgins
Girlstart Announces New Executive Director
Girlstart, an award-winning, Austin-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), welcomes Tamara Hudgins in the role of Executive Director. Tamara will begin work for Girlstart on Oct. 1, 2009.
The search for a new Executive Director of Girlstart began earlier this year when founder Rachel Muir resigned to become the new Executive Director of Mother’s Milk Bank. During the search the organization was led on an interim basis by Julie Shannan, who will be returning to her former role of Girlstart Deputy Director upon Tamara’s arrival.
Tamara moved to Texas in 2005. Since 2006 she has been the Executive Director of the Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation (formerly Georgetown Area Community Foundation), a Georgetown, Texas-based community foundation that streamlines and supports the charitable giving process by connecting donors with giving vehicles and information.
During her tenure at Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation, Tamara brought new members to the organization’s board, completed a successful re-branding of the organization, achieved fivefold growth in donations over three and a half years, and secured the gift of a historic building on the main square of Georgetown for the community foundation’s permanent home. She also secured confirmation that the foundation was in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, which sets the standards for accreditation of community foundations. Tamara led the foundation’s day-to-day operations including staff management, budget oversight, fundraising efforts and strategic planning.
Before relocating to the Austin area, Tamara worked for and consulted with organizations in Chicago and the Czech Republic. During her time in Chicago she was the Executive Director of Creating Pride, a nonprofit serving over 11,000 teachers and children. She holds M.A. and B.A. degrees in Art History from the Art Institute of Chicago and Ohio State University, respectively, and holds a Ph.D. in Art History from Charles University in Prague.
Programming has been and will continue to be a focus for Tamara. At the Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation Tamara directed the foundation’s civic initiatives and efforts to improve the quality of life for Williamson County residents. To date, she has effectively addressed three key issues the county faces: childhood hunger and nutrition, aging and early childhood development and childcare.
Tamara was voted in unanimously by the Girlstart Board of Directors. “The entire Board of Directors is excited that Tamara will join us as the new Executive Director,” said Betsy Blair, Board President. “We are confident that she will make an immediate and positive impact at Girlstart and lead us to even greater success inspiring girls in math, science and technology.”
Tamara’s concerns about women and education are similar to those that led founder and former Executive Director Rachel Muir to create the organization over 12 years ago. “Too often, girls are not encouraged to pursue careers involving technology and science. When girls learn that they can achieve in the fields of science and math, they develop a stronger belief that there are a variety of opportunities waiting for them in high school, college and beyond,” said Tamara. “Girlstart is about bringing girls together in a supportive environment where they can learn, explore and share. I look forward to joining Girlstart and furthering its mission to help girls in Austin thrive in these areas.”
Girlstart programs taking place this fall include Club Girlstart and Community Science Extravaganzas. Club Girlstart helps 4th to 8th graders master the scientific method through intensive, informal science and technology education. Program activities, which are aligned with Texas curriculum requirements, are offered in an all-girl environment both after school and in conjunction with community and Internet-based activities that support the exploration of science and technology. Community Science Extravaganzas create an opportunity for the entire family to participate in hands-on STEM exploration activities. An upcoming event is the Spooky Science Extravaganza, which will be held on October 24th at Virginia L. Brown Recreation Center. Girls and families will explore the biology of owls, chemistry of dry ice, and the science behind a few Halloween mysteries at this free community science event.
Add comment September 25, 2009
Girlstart welcomes Stacy Haynes!
Girlstart is excited to announce a new addition to our team! Stacy, Girlstart’s new Administrative Assistant, received a Bachelor of Arts in English, specializing in Digital Media Studies, from The Ohio State University in 2004. She has since worked to empower men and women of all ages by promoting education and increasing client self-efficacy through her work with The Ohio State University’s Honors Collegium, Franklin University, and the American Cancer Society’s Quitline, as well as her volunteer consulting work with the non-profit Killari. Stacy is excited to support the talented young women of Girlstart as they engage and achieve in science, math, and technology.
Welcome to Girlstart Stacy! We are so thrilled to have you!
Add comment August 14, 2009
