KID Museum blazed with energy this past Sunday, as hundreds of visitors showed up to make Girl Power Day a huge success! For KID Museum, this first-time event was an opportunity to advance a key goal: to give girls from different backgrounds an opportunity to explore STEM and acquire the confidence to see themselves in STEM careers.
As to be expected, the event attracted a mostly female crowd, including girls of all ages, from preschool to middle school. Some came with their families (including brave dads and brothers!), others with Girl Scout troops or sports teams. Visitors took part in a wide range of hands-on activities related to electronics, engineering, coding, digital fabrication, and more — each inspired by a trailblazing female STEM leader. Popular projects included dismantling toys and household items to “harvest” their component parts, designing a giant “The Future is Female” sign using a power drill and string art, and experimenting with fun, light-up circuit stickers provided by Chibitronics.
More than 30 local female leaders in science and technology were on hand to answer questions, share knowledge, and serve as role models. According to one of these leaders, neuroscientist Rajamani Selvam, PhD, ORISE Fellow at FDA. the inspiration was mutual:
“We had a group of Girl Scouts, and I explained brain anatomy to them. They asked very inquisitive questions… When a new group [joined in], these girls went ahead and explained the anatomy back to them. I was quite impressed.”
Many thanks to all who attended Girl Power Day and especially to the professionals who graciously donated their time and effort. We hope that everyone went home feeling inspired by STEM — and we look forward to seeing everyone at future Girl Power events!