Last updated: February 23, 2021
Article
STEAM Camp for Girls!
By Melissa Sladek
USGS/Lisa McKeon
In teaching, there are moments that feel just right–when everything falls into place. Students’ expressions show it all. Perhaps it’s an expression of understanding, or one of excitement, or even better…one that shows that learning, exploring, and understanding are well…just plain fun! That moment is joyous for an educator. And when it happens throughout a week-long STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) camp for middle school girls, it’s inspiring!
This past June, the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) worked with the Glacier Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey to hold a four-day, overnight camp for 12-14-year-old girls. The program’s main objective focused on using science, technology, engineering, art, and math to learn about Glacier’s changing landscapes, but students also explored sustainability concepts and leadership principles. Participants came mainly from Glacier National Park’s surrounding communities, but some came from as far away as Thompson Falls and Missoula.
This past June, the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) worked with the Glacier Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey to hold a four-day, overnight camp for 12-14-year-old girls. The program’s main objective focused on using science, technology, engineering, art, and math to learn about Glacier’s changing landscapes, but students also explored sustainability concepts and leadership principles. Participants came mainly from Glacier National Park’s surrounding communities, but some came from as far away as Thompson Falls and Missoula.
NPS/Melissa Sladek
One of the highlights of the week happened during the last day of camp. The girls met and heard from seven women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields during a Women in Science Career Fair held outside the West Glacier Community Building. After each presenter talked about her job and the path she took to get there, students were given a scavenger hunt that allowed them to explore equipment and educational items each professional brought with them. This also allowed the girls to ask our speakers questions about what they do and what they like about their jobs. For many of our campers, this experience was one of the highlights of their week! One of our participants wrote, “I enjoyed meeting people with the same interests, going on hikes, and hearing from women in the STEM fields.”
For staff, our highlight of the week was also on the last day, and it was truly inspirational. Students worked in pairs to present a photo project to staff, campers, and special guests. Throughout the week, the girls used a tool called PhotoVoice to show not only how climate change is impacting our area’s landscapes, but also what they and their community can do to prepare for those current and future changes.
PhotoVoice is a qualitative research technique that is often used in social science research, but recently has been utilized in natural resource settings. Participants are given a research focus and are told to use photographs to answer given questions. Along with taking the pictures, students provide written or verbal narration with each photo they choose to share. The dialogue focuses on how the photo addresses the research focus, but also what the photo means to them and how it relates to their life or to the lives of people in their community.
When used with students, one of the main educational goals of PhotoVoice is to empower youth. Although our primary goal with this camp was to give these young women experiences in STEAM-related fields, our secondary objective focused on how Northwest Montana’s landscape is changing and how these changes may affect the people who live here. In doing so, we investigated sustainability concepts and brainstormed ideas of what we would like our homes, schools, and communities to look like in 20 years.
With these experiences, students created poster boards with pictures they had taken, or gathered, that related to the research question, “What are some impacts/challenges from climate change that affect you, your neighbors, or other organisms living in Northwest Montana? What can you and your community do to prepare for those challenges?”
PhotoVoice is a qualitative research technique that is often used in social science research, but recently has been utilized in natural resource settings. Participants are given a research focus and are told to use photographs to answer given questions. Along with taking the pictures, students provide written or verbal narration with each photo they choose to share. The dialogue focuses on how the photo addresses the research focus, but also what the photo means to them and how it relates to their life or to the lives of people in their community.
When used with students, one of the main educational goals of PhotoVoice is to empower youth. Although our primary goal with this camp was to give these young women experiences in STEAM-related fields, our secondary objective focused on how Northwest Montana’s landscape is changing and how these changes may affect the people who live here. In doing so, we investigated sustainability concepts and brainstormed ideas of what we would like our homes, schools, and communities to look like in 20 years.
With these experiences, students created poster boards with pictures they had taken, or gathered, that related to the research question, “What are some impacts/challenges from climate change that affect you, your neighbors, or other organisms living in Northwest Montana? What can you and your community do to prepare for those challenges?”
NPS/Melissa Sladek
The results: five presentations that knocked our socks off! From discussing simple sustainability actions to engaging in community decision making, our campers provided inspiring presentations that left those of us who witnessed them with a feeling of hope–hope for the future knowing that these young women leaders possess the interest and passion to create resilient and sustainable communities.
Throughout the week, we explored, discovered, and learned about this unique place we call home. We asked questions, made friends, and thought about our futures. For some, the end of the week came a little too quickly. As one camper embraced her mother on her way out of camp, she began to cry. Staff worried that her cries were from relief of finally going home, but her mother wrote us later to explain that her daughter’s tears fell solely because she did not want to leave! Her experience at STEAM Camp and newly found friends left a huge impact on her. And, as our team of educators packed our materials and headed home, we knew exactly how she felt.
Throughout the week, we explored, discovered, and learned about this unique place we call home. We asked questions, made friends, and thought about our futures. For some, the end of the week came a little too quickly. As one camper embraced her mother on her way out of camp, she began to cry. Staff worried that her cries were from relief of finally going home, but her mother wrote us later to explain that her daughter’s tears fell solely because she did not want to leave! Her experience at STEAM Camp and newly found friends left a huge impact on her. And, as our team of educators packed our materials and headed home, we knew exactly how she felt.