what does gems mean? girls excelling in math and science
TRANSCRIPT
How to start your own
GEMS club
What Does GEMS mean?
Girls Excelling in Math and Science
Why start a club?
Girls in increasing numbers have been opting out of the worlds of math, science, and technology as courses in school and as careers.
Google the word “Scientist”.
Where will Science and
Math take YOU????
Step 1:
Get your ducks in a row…. Look at your EOG data
Who are you going to target? Have a big picture in mind for the year Set your goals
We want our girls to wonder about the natural world.
We want our girls to do the science. We want our girls to think critically, logically and
skeptically. For more
Recruit help- you’re going to need it!
Step 2:
Talk to your principal Take your plan with you! Get meeting dates on the calendar for the
entire year. This will avoid meeting conflicts throughout the year.
Make sure you are going to be supported.
Step 3: Establish norms for the club
Attendance Behavior Grades Attitude
Choose a participation cap Avoids overcrowding Builds lasting relationships with the girls
Get seed money Skate Night PTO Donations
Fundraising
Lollipops - http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com
PTA Donors Choose
Step 4:
Application Process Don’t announce trips, activities, etc. when distributing applications. Decide which qualities are important for your
club. Decide ahead of time how you are going to
handle selecting applicants (How will you “thin” the pool?).
Set a deadline and stick to it. Once all members are selected, send home
information forms to learn more specific details about the students (allergies, custody issues, health concerns).
Step 5: Build your content knowledge
Museum of Natural Sciences Workshops NCCAT
Step 6:
Plan your first meeting! Purpose of GEMS Hands on activities that hook the girls-
(AIMS, Enrichment, Presenters) Allow ample time…. Have fun! Your enthusiasm will be
contagious!
Sample Inquiry Activity
Spaghetti & Marshmallow Structure
Your Task: Plan and build a structure using
spaghetti and marshmallows that will support a “basket” of pennies.
What is the greatest number of pennies your structure can support?
Potential Meetings
Fibonacci Sequence NC Museum of Natural Sciences Geocaching Local Parks Camp Thunderbird High Point University Sir Issac Newton’s Birthday
Resources
NC Museum of Natural Sciences Scott Hager Ana Floyd Middle/ High School Teachers http://gemsclub.org/home http://www.iwaswondering.org/ http://engineergirl.org/ Make it a point to have as many strong
female role models/presenters as possible.