Taking care of and protecting the Earth is a concern for most girls as over half of girls are concerned about the air, forests and freshwater ecosystems, and two out of three girls feel strongly about protecting the wildlife. Less than one out of 20 girls thinks the environment is not a big problem. In tackling ecological concerns and problems, girls believe it is everyone’s responsibility—children, youth, adults and corporations alike—and everyone has a part to play.
Girl Scouts’ STEM expertise comes from our historic programming and research. We are well positioned to be the voice for girls regarding STEM. The second journey series, It’s Your Planet—Love It! uses girls’ concern for the environment to propel their interest in STEM. It encourages girls to think critically about their interactions with the natural world by engaging them in age-appropriate, leadership-building activities that make STEM relevant and fun. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Stewards of the Mountain: information coming soon!
- Plant a Garden: Planting a garden is easy and fun! Plant a community garden for your neighborhood, a planter box for your front yard, or anywhere you can plant a seed! Try to plant vegetables or native plant species.
- Invasive Plant Removal: Over the years, our desert landscape has been a breeding ground for invasive plants. Get ‘em outta here! You can remove buffel grass and other invasive species. Organize a neighborhood removal or just get some friends together! You’ll need shovels and a few other tools for this activity.
- Install Solar Lighting: Encourage your school and local organizations to install solar lighting on pathways and in their parking lots. You can install solar lighting at home too- it is healthy for the environment and makes your street safer too!
