Girl Feature: Allison Rich and the Lady Cans

Girl Scout Alumnae Allison Rich was recently honored by the Crockrell School of Engineering Women in Engineering Program (WEP) at the University of Texas (UT).  The UT mechanical engineering student has had a strong connection to STEM related studies ever since she was in GSCTX’s first Lady Cans robotics team, which was only one of the two teams in the nation. This pioneering Girl Scout started lady cans in the pursuit of more engineering programs for Girl Scouts. She began with little knowledge about engineering, but soon learned everything from using a hand drill to labVIEW. Allison’s first Lady Cans completion robot won the Rookie Inspiration Award at the Lone Star Regional. 

Allison has gone on and furthered her education at UT’s Crockrell School of Engineering. Allison’s receiving of the WEP Mechanical Engineering is an incredible honor and we are very proud of her. With GSCTX’s STEM program we know that our Girl Scouts can and will change the world of tech. 

Future Biomedical Engineer

Devynn is a member of the Robotics Rulers team from Waco. Learn about her experience by reading the Q&A below!

Why did you first get involved in the Girl Scout robotics team?
I wanted to be on a team where there would be other girls that had the same interests as me. I also thought the idea of building a robot was pretty cool.

What have you learned from your FIRST Lego League experience?
I learned many things over the last few months. I learned many things about structural engineering, engineering design, computer programming, working together as a team, and that your ideas won't always be perfect the first time. But the most important thing i have learned while being on this team that what you learn is more important than what you win. For many people they seem to think what you win is more important because it is tangible, even though you can show off a trophy, that trophy wont get you a career, learning will.

What was the most challenging project your team had and how did you overcome it?
Working together is always hard because everyone has there own ideas, and it can be hard to listen to other people when you have tons of ideas that you want to try out to see if they work.

What advice can you give a girl who is intimidated or scared by science?
There is no reason to be scared or intimidated because its actually pretty easy after you start working with science ideas. You don't have to be the smartest person in your class to be interested in science. Anyone is smart enough to do it as long as they have the will to learn about it. So if you are interested in a science group, try it. If you find out that you don't like it you don't have to continue for the rest of your life with it.Also if you are in a science group, you will learn things that the rest of your friends don't know.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a Biomedical Engineer.

-Devynn R., Girl Scout Cadette

To learn more about Girl Scout robotics teams or other technology programs, visit the EDGE.

She's Gone Tech

The Girl Scouts of Central Texas has taught me so much in the way of technology. First and foremost, I am not scared of learning technical terms and putting them to use anymore. Through the EDGE Program at Girl Scouts, I have learned about building robots with Legos. I have learned how to program them and make them do things I want them to do like walk, talk, see colors and pick up things. Robots are part of our every day life. We all come into contact with robots and sometimes don’t even know it!

I was able to attend the Geek Squad camp this summer and learned lots about computers too. We worked on Apples as well as PCs. The Geek Squad camp taught us about computers in a fun and cool way and I strongly recommend the camp if you want to have fun and learn about computers at the same time!!

The Girl Scouts of Central Texas started up a Lego Robotics team and we were able to participate in the FLL competition. Our team won 3rd place in the first competition and even though we did not place in the 2nd competition, my team was able to fly to Atlanta, GA to cheer on other Girl Scouts from all over the United States! That was so exciting and I would have never had had the chance to do that if it were not for Girl Scouts!

I would highly recommend girls of all ages to learn more about technology. We use it every day and everyday it changes. This used to be a man’s world with robots and computers but us women are learning just as much and adult women are now leaders in the technology field! This makes me want to be a part of the excitement!!!

-Lily, Girl Scout Cadette

Blog Action Day: Climate Change

In 2008 two all Girl Scout robotics teams qualified for the FIRST LEGO League Central Texas Championship. Each team was required to research a particular environmental issue as part of their participation. The Techno-Girl Scouts researched drought conditions in Central Texas.

As part of Blog Action Day (a day when bloggers come together to discuss the same topic and create global buzz), GSCTX is pleased to share their findings, as recorded in early 2009. Through increased awareness, we can all lessen our impact on the environment and slow global climate change.

2008 Drought Facts

• Rainfall was well below normal during May and June, typically the first and second wettest months.
• Summer 2008 tied with 1998 for the hottest summer on record.
• Hot temperatures led to very high evaporation across the entire region this summer, with about twice the average evaporation rate in June and July.
• There were 50 days this year with temperatures at or over 100 degrees in Austin (including over 20 consecutive days in June).
• September was one of the driest on record.
• Most areas received less than half the normal October rain.
• 2008 is the sixth driest year on record for Austin.
• On Oct. 31, 2008 year-to-date inflows into the Highland Lakes were less than inflows over the same period in 2006, which were the lowest on record since 1942.

Top 10 Ways to Conserve Water

10. Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

9. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car.

8. Direct water from rain gutters and AC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape.

7. Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often and evaporate before they hit the ground.

6. Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

5. Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

4. Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.

3. Save water and time by washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.

2. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered not the house, sidewalk or street.

1. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.

Girl Scouts can positively impact our environment through the new Forever Green program, by attending a nature and outdoors related program, by completing an environmental service project or many other Mother Earth related activities.

If you are interested in the Girl Scout robotics teams, please contact the EDGE.

-Techno-Girl Scouts & Cheryl Lowe