GSMW Stem Van Makes Stop In Glasgow

Throughout the summer, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) has been on the road taking their Mobile STEM Learning Center van to various communities throughout Montana and Wyoming. The van made a stop at the Glasgow Civic Center on July 20, where children of all ages had the opportunity to explore 3D printing and learn about the human body with a mannequin who had removable organs such as eyes, spleen and kidneys.

STEM Program Specialist Jess Carley walked the kids through the 3D printing process, showing them how a 3D printer works in real time. She also provided information on the importance of 3D printing in today's world. "If an astronaut doesn't pack a comb, would they send a team of other astronauts to deliver it? No, they could just print one!" explained Carley. As the 3D printer made its design, taking about 10 to 15 minutes according to Carley, area kids had the opportunity to make their own 3D designs using a heated pen, filament and a stencil. Once the designs were completed, the kids were able to bring them home.

The goal of the Mobile STEM Learning Center is to show possibilities, provide knowledge, and give hands-on STEM experiences to girls at an early age. While more than half of the U.S. workforce is female, less than one quarter of STEM careers are held by women. "From their initial interest in STEM as a child to majoring in a STEM subject in college to pursuing a STEM career as an adult, the gender disparity needs to change at every stage of girls' and women's STEM engagement," stated in a press release provided by Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW). Another goal is to address STEM "deserts" created by an uneven distribution of STEM opportunities across the country. Approximately 67 percent of the population in Montana and Wyoming is rural. This translates to hurdles that can include a lack of access to honors courses, high-level technology business exposure, as well as limited access to quality curriculum and vigorous and engaging math and science courses.

The Mobile STEM Learning Center has been a passion project of Director of Fund Development for GSMW Briana Rickman. "Not only is STEM a strategic priority of the Girl Scout resources available to those smaller communities. This project can help us bridge both gender and geographical gaps by ensuring that girls of every age in rural areas have opportunities to explore STEM possibilities as a future career."

The GSMW Mobile STEM Learning Center first made its debut in May and was made possible due to a digital education grant from Spectrum, as a way to increase access to STEM education. "As one of the largest internet providers in the U.S., Spectrum is committed to supporting local initiates like Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming that promote digital literacy and inclusion, and help to educate community members about the value of adopting broadband in their lives so they can succeed in today's connected society," said Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications Rahman Khan in a press release at the van's ribbon cutting ceremony.