Girlstart Opens Stem Studio and Mini-planetarium

GIRLSTART OPENS STEM STUDIO AND MINI-PLANETARIUM IN TIME FOR 2013 SUMMER CAMPS, WILL DEBUT TO PUBLIC DURING ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ON SEPT. 7

(AUSTIN) – It was just last year that the Girlstart STEM Center expanded to meet the growing demand for its STEM education summer camp programs for girls, doubling the number of camps it could accommodate. The latest expansion at its Austin location – the Girlstart STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium, brings the universe into its backyard.

The the free-standing studio is designed to enhance the experience of students attending Girlstart summer camps, as well as providing Girlstart with facilities to create a more comprehensive astronomy activities.

Astronomy and space-related programs have long been at the core of Girlstart’s STEM education programs, including the utilization a portable mini-planetarium for programs throughout Central Texas, and honoring Dr. Sally Ride at its first annual luncheon event (now known as Game Changers) in 2010.

“We’re excited to be opening the mini-planetarium and STEM studio,” said Tamara Hudgins, executive director at Girlstart. “Having a publicly-accessible, permanent, on-site home for this programming has been at the top of our priority list for some time now, and the mini-planetarium will expand what we can do to inspire STEM education as it relates to space studies.”

The domed portion of the studio serving as a planetarium accommodates up to 30 students at once, giving Girlstart a permanent home for its space science programming. In previous years, Girlstart has utilized a mobile, inflatable dome allowing presenters to bring astronomy to students throughout Central Texas. The studio also includes a room allowing for educators and students alike to explore what Girlstart Deputy Director Julie Shannan calls “messy science,” as well as program standbys like robotics and engineering.

Students attending summer camps will be the first to experience the new facility. Those curious about Girlstart have additional incentive to attend its Back-to-School Open House event on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, as Girlstart staff will showcase astronomy demos in the Mini-Planetarium as part of the free, open to all event.

The STEM Studio and Mini-Planetarium was made possible by the following generous companies and individuals:

Arrow Glass
Burrows Cabinets
C2 Mechanical Services
Celis Drywall
Coburn & Company
David Wilkes Builders
D & E Electrical Service
Designtrait
DeRuiter Insulation
Dirty Work Services
Donovan Millworks
Eastside Lumber & Decking
Gonzales Framing
Javier Martin, P.E.
Joe Clark Mechanical Services
Lazaro Alviter Concrete
McCormick Commercial
Quality Roofing Texas
Ramming Paving

Facilities Committee:
Becky Jeanes
Chip McCormick
Jim van Winkle, Chair
David Wilkes
James Wilsford