Our 2024 Summer Rocketry Program recently concluded with rockets launching from Buckingham Field to across screens in the Cambridge-area with Science Club for Girls’ media features in WCVB, NBC10 Boston, CBS and more! Watch below:
ABC (WCBV 5) - August 8, 2024
NBC10 Boston - August 8, 2024
CBS News (WBZ) - August 8, 2024
6th-8th grade participants spent two weeks fully immersing themselves in what a career in aerospace could look like, from astronaut physical training led by our SCFG staff and Junior Mentors, to field trips to the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University–where they carried out simulated space missions to Mars! Of course, the most thrilling portion of our annual program is the building, designing, and analyzing the launches of their own model rockets. Whether our participants are returning for their 3rd year or are a brand new member of the SCFG community, the excitement is palpable. Seventh grader Lorelei told CBS Boston News,
“I’ve been looking forward to this for two weeks. I learned about how to resist the drag of the rocket using thrust from the engine,” adding, “I really like building them and launching them. It’s always so fun!” -Lorelei, 2nd Year SCFG Rocketry Participant, CBS Boston News
Not only does Summer Rocketry guide the girls in exploratory topics regarding aerospace, but the program also highlights the basic principles of having a career in STEM. As SCFG Executive Director, Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet expressed to WCVB,
“Our participants build their rockets, learn about all the issues that go into a successful launch, and of course learn from the failures if they don’t launch and go back because that is an integral part of anything having to do with STEM” -SCFG Executive Director, Dr. Bonnie Bertolet, WCVB
The very essence of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is not just about the end product, but the process it takes to observe a chemical reaction, build a new device, or prove a mathematical theorem. Truly exploring those processes allows for a deeper understanding of how STEM influences our everyday lives. As Junior Mentor Isabella puts it,
“Science is like legos to me, where each little piece is just a little piece, but all together they form this one big thing that we all live and interact with all the time”. -SCFG Junior Mentor, Isabella, WCVB
This breakdown of science is why diverse thought in STEM fields is so important and why we tailor our programs to girls and gender-expansive youth who are underrepresented in STEM. We are all directly affected by the science around us, and being in spaces where you can see role models that look like you, further show our ambitious young scientists that they can have a say and exponential impact in the future of STEM.
Above all, our participants have expressed how genuinely fun learning and exploring science is, which is what the very foundation of Science Club for Girls was built on.
A parent of one participant shared how much her daughter enjoyed the rocketry program and the field trip saying to our staff,
“I have to tell you that [my daughter] is absolutely LOVING the rocketry camp. She is lit up by the science! I have never seen her so excited about anything (other than dogs, maybe)! And the field trip?! Oh my goodness, she can’t stop talking about it! Thank you for creating such a rich, amazing opportunity for these incredibly lucky girls!” -SCFG Parent
Thank you to the City of Cambridge, Philanthropy Massachusetts, and Lyda Hill Philanthropies for sponsoring our 2024 Summer Rocketry Program and making this year astronomically thrilling!
Stay tuned to our social media for more video launches and rocketry testimonials. And don't forget to sign up for our email list and never miss an exciting moment at Science Club for Girls!
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