Ancient Greek society developed many myths and legends related to constellations, and these “star pictures” were used for navigation, religion, farming, and more. Build your own personal viewer to see your favorite constellation any time of day!
Virtual Starry Night: Greek Water Clock
Ancient Greek society did not have clocks like we do today. Instead, they used clepsydras, or water clocks, to time important events. Create a clock that uses the movement of water to keep time!
Materials List: Greek Virtual Starry Night
We are excited for you to participate in Girlstart’s Virtual Starry Night, including a Greek star show and hands-on STEM activities! Gather materials from around the house and join us on Thursday, June 4th for Starry fun.
* The following list contains affiliate links. Girlstart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Constellation Tubes
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- Black construction paper
- Cardboard, foam board, or cork board (at least 4.5” x 4.5”)
- Clear tape
- Constellation Pattern Template (included in lesson)
- Giant push pin
- Glue stick
- Markers
- Paper towel or toilet paper tube
- Scissors
Greek Water Clock
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- Cup, glass, or pitcher (for pouring ~2 cups of water)
- 2 empty plastic bottles (they should be the same size)
- Funnel (optional)
- Masking tape
- Permanent marker (fine tip works best)
- Scissors or utility knife
- Thumbtack or push pin
- Timer
- Water
Greek Lyre
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- Markers and stickers to decorate (optional)
- Pencil or wooden dowel (optional)
- 5-10 rubber bands (a variety of sizes works best – will need to fit around cardboard box)
- Small carboard box
Floating Paperclips!
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For “Sink or Float?” game
- Bin or bowl (filled with water)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Small objects from around your house that you don’t mind dropping into a bowl of water! Fun things to test: coins, plastic bottles, aluminum foil, pencil, eraser, sponges, wooden blocks, soda cans, ping pong balls, small rubber balls, etc.
For paperclip experiment
- Small paperclip
- Square of toilet paper
For surface tension extension
- Cotton swab
- Dish soap (2-3 drops)
- Liquid food coloring (2+ colors)
- Milk
- Plate or bowl
Jennifer Parker
Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Jennifer Parker
Software Engineer Sr. Manager @ Forcepoint
Jennifer is passionate about helping others find doors of opportunity, just as mentors and supporters once did for her. She sees volunteering with Girlstart as a way to have a positive effect on someone’s journey through STEM, and we are excited to have her here today to give us some inspiration!
How would you describe yourself in regards to your career?
Experienced, technical leader with proven track record working with US and International based teams, delivering on-schedule, high quality program objectives for industry leading cyber security and embedded design corporations. Recognized ability to establish strong productive relationships with colleagues, customers and functional managers, while exercising significant independent judgment within broadly defined policies and practices to determine best method for accomplishing work and achieving objectives. Multi-talented Project Manager consistently rewarded for success in planning and operational improvements.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
The technical innovation and mindsets I get to work alongside on a day-to-day basis is fascinating.
Was there a specific person, program, or event in your life that led you to your STEM career?
In 6th grade, my teacher introduced me concept of engineering, specifically civil engineering and while civil was not the path I took, just becoming aware, set the trajectory that I am on today.
What would you like to tell girls who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?
You got this!! Be creative! Study/work diligently. You get out what you put in. Be your authentic self!
Why is confidence in STEM important for girls?
STEM is a powerful field and girls are a powerful force. The two combined means the sky is the limit.