Students and faculty from the University of Missouri-Rolla will conduct a science-based event for Girl Scouts called “Bridging the Gap” from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. Girl Scouts in attendance will gain hands-on experience by visiting seven laboratory workshops designed to stimulate inquiring minds. The girls will receive a patch and a certificate for participating in the program.

For more information or to register for the program, contact Kristen Russell, Helix Club workshop coordinator, at (573) 341-4831; or Helix Club workshop advisor Dr. David J. Westenberg at (573) 341-4798.

“We hope this will stimulate an interest in future careers in science and technology,” says Westenberg, who is also an associate professor of biological sciences at UMR. “The scouts will learn to observe and collect data, to use basic techniques from chemistry and biology, to solve problems, and to observe and analyze results.” Applications to everyday life as well as to careers in science and technology will be emphasized.

This is the 13th year Bridging the Gap, formerly called “2 + 2 in the Laboratory,” has been held on the UMR campus.

At this year’s “Bridging the Gap” event, Girl Scouts will learn about the amazing world of termites, receive an introduction to the wonders of chemistry, learn about medical mysteries, and go on a tour of the UMR nuclear reactor as they learn about nuclear energy. In addition, they will be introduced to the math behind card games and learn tips for winning rock-paper-scissors, receive an introduction to opportunities for women in engineering, and learn about the importance of maintaining clean water in our world.

Several UMR student groups will run the workshops, including the Helix Club, the Water Environment Federation, the Mathematics Association of America, the American Nuclear Society, the Society of Women Engineers, Phi Sigma, Alpha Chi Sigma, and SCRUBS, the UMR pre-medicine club.

The Girl Scouts will be placed in groups – by troop whenever possible – and will move from workshop to workshop to complete requirements for the “Bridging the Gap” patch. Each group is accompanied by an adult leader at all stations.

The troops should register in advance. The registration form is available in the Fall Girl Scout activity booklet or by calling Westenberg. The girls are asked to wear casual clothing and to bring a sack lunch. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. in G-3 Schrenk Hall.

For information about previous Bridging the Gap events, visit web.mst.edu/~helix/BTG.html.