STEM Career Exploration

This project supports Brownie badge: STEM Career Exploration. The trefoil symbol in the RESOURCES section below indicates an objective/step outlined in the Brownie Badge Booklet. Please review the full guide ahead of beginning project build with your Girl Scouts.

Brownie-STEM-Career-Exploration-Badge-Booklet-Download

Additional copies of the Girl Scout instruction sheet can be found here. Please note these projects are designed so that participants get it wrong before they get it right. You will observe your students struggling as they attempt to create their own STEM projects. This process is an empowering experience, building perseverance, frustration tolerance and growing overall confidence! With your support, students will step out of their comfort zones to think, build and problem-solve for themselves.

Concept Overview

In this guide, we’ll be exploring the world of computers, manufacturing, and real-world careers related to the exciting projects completed in the Rosie Explores Manufacturing Box. We will begin with creating a Binary Code Wearable, followed by revisiting the Fling Flyers, Art Bots, and Balloon Powered Cars projects. Finally, we’ll introduce real women in STEM resources to inspire and educate the Girl Scouts.

Resources to Complete Brownie Badge Objectives

Resource 1

 Step 1: Explore Your Interests

Have Girls Scouts explore the questions below to brainstorm more about themselves! Ask them to create a word collage all about them. List words that they feel represent them.

  • What kind of superhero would you like to be?
  • How do you want to make the world a better place?
  • What do you like to do at school? In your free time?
  • What’s something you’d want to do every day?
  • What are you good at?
  • What are your hobbies?
  • What kind of books do you like to read?
  • What kind of movies do you like?
  • What sports do you play?
  • What instruments do you play?

Resource 2

 Step 2: Discover the Possibilities 

Explore the Women in STEM Careers overview included in the Rose Explores Manufacturing boxes and below with Girl Scouts. For virtual manufacturing plant tours and interviews with women in manufacturing visit https://www.explore-mfg.com/resources/tours.

Hey there, future world-changers! Have you ever wondered how the things you use every day, like toys, clothes, and gadgets, are made? All of these items are created through a process called manufacturing. Manufacturing is a super cool and important field with many exciting careers. Let’s explore some of these jobs and discover how you can make a difference in the world of manufacturing!

CODING – BINARY CODE WEARABLE

Start off by having Girl Scouts create the Binary Code Kits included in the Rosie Explores Manufacturing boxes to explore the language of computers. 

The manufacturing industry relies heavily on computer systems to optimize production processes, making computer science an essential aspect of modern manufacturing.

    • Industrial automation engineering involves designing and programming the automated systems used in manufacturing, such as robotic assembly lines and conveyor systems. Industrial automation engineers must understand programming languages, robotics, and control systems to create efficient and reliable manufacturing processes.

    • Data analysts analyze and interpret data generated by manufacturing processes, identifying opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.

    • Software engineers develop and maintain the software applications used in manufacturing, such as inventory management systems and computer-aided design (CAD) software.

ENGINEERING – SLING SHOT ROCKETS

Manufacturing offers a wealth of exciting career opportunities for anyone interested in engineering.

    • Aerospace engineering involves designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. Aerospace engineers must understand the principles of the four forces of flight to design efficient and safe flying machines.

    • Mechanical engineering involves designing and developing mechanical systems and machines used in manufacturing processes. Mechanical engineers may work on designing and improving anything from engines and turbines to medical devices and industrial robots.

    • Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems used in manufacturing, such as motors and control systems.

DESIGN – BALLOON POWERED CAR

Design plays a critical role in the manufacturing industry.

    • Industrial design involves creating and developing new products and improving existing ones. Industrial designers often work with engineers marketing teams, and manufacturers to design products that are not only look good but also functional and efficient.

    • Product design involves creating new products from scratch, such as furniture, appliances, and electronics. In product design designers must consider usability, ergonomics, and aesthetics while ensuring the product meets the needs of the target audience.

    • Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems that are used in manufacturing processes.

ROBOTICS – ART BOTS

Robotics technology is increasingly used in manufacturing to automate and optimize production processes, making manufacturing safer, faster, and more efficient.

    • Robotics engineering involves designing, developing, and testing robotic systems used in manufacturing, such as industrial robots used in assembly lines or collaborative robots that work alongside human workers. Robotics engineers must have a deep understanding of mechanical engineering, control systems, and artificial intelligence to create robots that can perform complex tasks with precision and accuracy.

    • Robotics programmers use their coding skills to develop the software that controls robots, including their movement, sensors, and behavior.

    • Robotics maintenance and repair ensures that robotic systems in manufacturing facilities are operating at optimal performance.

Resource 3

 Step 3: Learn About the Day to Day 

Use the videos below to explore the day to day aspects of careers in STEM.

Resource 4

 Step 4: Brainstorm Your Next Steps

Ask Girl Scouts to imagine themselves in their dream career. What could they do right now to get ready? What skills would they need to have? What next steps could help them reach their dream job?

Have Girls Scouts these color the sheets of real women in STEM careers while they brainstorm these ideas.