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Why I Love STEM

Why do you love STEM? Download this PDF, print it on colored paper, and share why you love STEM on your favorite social media! #WhyILoveSTEM

Print out on colored paper and:

Take a photo and share on social media
Give it to your favorite STEM teacher or friend
Display it on your desk
Hang it on the fridge

“Find an area of stem that interests you and explore it. Even one area of stem has so much to explore. If it gets hard, ask for help. STEM is an adventure! It’s really fun!”

Laura, STEM CREW leader at Riojas Elementary

“Science is for everyone. Anyone can learn it and be good at it. If you want to pursue STEM, remember to never give up! It’s always gonna seem harder and harder as you go through it but keep your energy and drive for STEM.”

Elizabeth, STEM CREW leader at Riojas and Wells Branch Elementary

“If you want to pursue STEM, jump right in and try the hard stuff! Find friends that want to do it with you!”

Drew, Girlstart volunteer from Pearson

“Do what you want and don’t pay attention to what others think you should do. If you want to pursue STEM, just do it because you love it.”

Deb, Girlstart volunteer from Pearson

“You can be whatever you want to be!”

Michelle, STEM CREW leader at Caraway Elementary

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Small Work, Big Mission

The Women in Technology group at VISA employees spent their Thursday afternoons cutting aluminum circles out of disposable pans, tracing gliders onto plates, and preparing marshmallow slingshots.

The materials will serve 300 kids expected to attend Deep in the Heart of STEM, a free community event on Sunday, February 3rd. Families will flock to the Bob Bullock Museum to learn about how science, technology, engineering and math played a role in Texas history.

Kids of all ages will use the VISA employees’ handiwork to engineer a propel powered boat like La Belle, the only surviving ship from an expedition that changed the course of history. As families explore the museum, they’ll make slingshots, use cookies to learn about mining, and learn about flight by creating their own gliders.

“We hope that kids are going to have fun making slingshots, but also learn the STEM principles behind it,” said Sharlym Gil, Director of Volunteers at Girlstart.

The work the VISA employees did Thursday was simple, but it represented an integral part of Girlstart’s operations. Without volunteers, community events like Deep in the Heart of STEM would not happen.

“Without their work we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do,” Gil said. “It’s not glamorous work, but it’s definitely helpful and needed.”

If you or your business are interested in contributing to Girlstart’s mission, click here.

All are invited to attend Deep in the Heart of STEM on Sunday, February 3rd. The event, including admission to the museum, is free and open to kids of all ages.

Sunday, February 3rd
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701

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Hands-On Wednesday: Hoop Gliders

Gliders work like planes but without engines! The two different sized hoops create balance as the straw flies through the air. The big hoop creates “drag” and the smaller hoop helps your glider steer straight. If your glider flies fast enough it will lift, which causes the glider to stay in the air longer. The longer the glider stays in the air, the more drag it will create!

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