It took just two weeks to fill registration for this year’s Brownie Science Try-it Day at Sweet Briar College, and more than 100 others had to be placed on a waiting list. Try-It Day was held Saturday, Jan. 20.
The event brings first- through third-graders from area Brownie troops to campus to participate in activities that can be applied toward the Girl Scout math and science badge requirements.
Hmm … what attributes does this live specimen have? This Brownie is trying to decide as part of the “Plants” try-it. More photosThe annual program is sponsored by the Lynchburg Area Chapter of Iota Sigma Pi and the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society chapters at Sweet Briar, Lynchburg College and Randolph-Macon Woman's College.
“As our seventh consecutive program under this moniker, the program has really taken on maturity,” Jill Granger, an SBC chemistry professor and one of the original Try-It Day organizers, said. “The event continued this year to have wide support from both students and faculty at all three participating colleges.”
Twelve Girl Scout troops from Lynchburg, Jefferson Forest, western Albemarle County and Amherst County were represented, and 91 of the 101 Brownies who registered were able to attend. They were accompanied by 29 adult troop leaders and chaperones.
About 30 faculty and student volunteers from the three colleges, along with five Junior Girl Scouts who served as aides for the day, ran activity tables or worked behind the scenes to make the event come together. About 20 tables are set up for hands-on exercises that teach scientific principles or conservation-themed lessons.
Brownies move at their own pace through the stations, and many are able to earn three badges and begin work on two more over the course of the day, Granger says. The projects rotate every three years, so that girls who return each year have the opportunity to work on a total of 15 badges, which covers most of the math and science requirements.
Brownies learn about static electricity during the "Science Wonders" try-it, which was led by students from the Lynchburg College chemistry club.
Volunteer Junior Scouts from Troop 544 display a sign saying they're ready and willing to help Brownies through their try-it paces.
