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Colorado Springs, CO – Forty-three bright 7th grade girls from Widefield School District 3 - representing Grand Mountain School, Sproul, and Janitell - took a giant leap into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) on Friday, November 7, 2025. The special event, the annual Girls' STEM Day, was held at the Hillside Community Center and sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Colorado Springs Branch.

Empowering the Next Generation

Aligned with the AAUW's core mission to advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy, the objective of the STEM Day was clear: to encourage girls to find science interesting and fun and to foster a sense of belonging in STEM fields. By engaging students from different participating districts—including District 2, District 3, and District 11—the event provided a collaborative environment where future scientists could build confidence and explore potential career paths.

Throughout the day, the girls were mixed into teams with students from other districts, allowing them to network and collaborate. They engaged in hands-on experiences, received valuable information about STEM jobs, and interacted directly with inspiring guest speakers—women currently studying or working in diverse STEM professions.

Hands-On Exploration and Discovery

The core of the day featured three engaging, hands-on experiments designed to bring fundamental science concepts to life:

1. Bungee Barbie: Exploring Physics

In this exciting simulation, girls tackled principles of physics by investigating the spring constant of a rubber band. They tied a rubber band "bungee cord" around a Barbie doll's legs and meticulously tested the rubber bands' elasticity by dropping the doll and measuring the average length of the fall as they increased the length of the rubber bands. This practical application helped demonstrate the relationship between applied force and spring extension.

2. Acids and Bases: The pH Scale

The chemistry experiment focused on acids and bases. Girls experimented with different solids and liquids to investigate pH levels and observe how various substances interact with different types of liquids. This allowed them to understand the chemical properties that make a substance acidic, basic, or neutral.

3. Electric Circuits: Pathways of Power

The final station delved into electrical engineering with a challenge to investigate electric circuits. Using only two wires, a battery, and a light bulb, the girls worked to successfully make the bulb light up. The activity expanded to cover the principles of parallel and series circuits, providing a foundational understanding of different electrical pathways.

By providing a dynamic and supportive environment, the AAUW Girls' STEM Day successfully provided a memorable experience for the 7th graders, sparking curiosity and laying the groundwork for a future where they can confidently pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.