Girls Empowered with Math and Science Workshops

Our GEMS Workshops are aimed at providing girls with hands-on activities and  experiences to keep them involved in STEM. Each month, GEMS will study  the work of a renowned female scientist while engaging in hands-on  lessons. GEMS is a free drop-off program that is fun, educational, and shows  the numerous ways STEM topics can be pursued both in their future  educations and as potential career pathways. If we support a young woman  in STEM, then she can change the world.

Second Saturday of Each Month

​10:30 am- 12:00 pm

Location

Fort Walton Beach Library

185 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

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Cost & Registration 

Workshops are free

Pre-registraion is required so that there are enough materials

To register, please call the Fort Walton Beach Library at 850-833-9590

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Program sponsored by MTSI

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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

October 14 : Katya Echazarreta - Electrical Engineer

Time to get creative and have fun while learning about different electrical circuits and how they work. GEMS will explore the different types of conductors and insulators while creating open and closed circuits using some fun tools and electrical equipment. Then GEMS will brainstorm to create their own robot race-track with cool moves using color codes and test it out just like electrical engineer Katya Echazarreta.

November 11: Nergis Mavalvala - Astrophysicist

3…2…1. Blast off! Time to think like astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala and explore all the extraordinary things about space. In this activity, GEMS will design their own planets and dive deep into the creative colors of our galaxy while also investigating the importance of gravity. Then GEMS will use fun robot technology to build a rover that could explore planets like Mars.

December 9: Dax Ovid - Biologist

Scientists use data collection to understand the relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem and to help make new discoveries. In this workshop, GEMS will learn how to conduct accurate research and use their collected data to recognize specific patterns in the world around them. First, they will explore different environments through an interactive ecosystem simulation, where they will visit stations to investigate and collect data. Then, they will discuss and share their results just like our scientist, Dax Ovid!

Animal Add-on: Dax the Chinchilla

January 13: Simona Kossak- Ecologist

GEMS will learn the importance of an ecosystem and how to protect them during this workshop. Then they will make their own ecosystems that are able to sustain life. They will also become ecologists like Simona Kossak as they explore mammal behaviors and how they can impact a single ecosystem.

February 10: Katsuko Saruhashi- Geochemist

Jump into the world of geochemistry, and discover the mysterious secrets that are hidden right under our feet in rocks. In this lesson, GEMS will find out what rocks are made of down to the smallest particles. Then GEMS will find out about the discoveries of geochemist Katusko Saruhashi while learning about the carbon cycle and our oceans.

March 9: Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan - Paleobiologist

Let’s go back in time! GEMS will dive deep into the importance of paleobiologists like Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan who study the fossils of plants and animals to help us understand how things like animals, plant species, and environments have changed over time. Then they will explore the bone structures of different dinosaurs and then design and make their own based on their discoveries.

April 13: Joan Beauchamp Procter - Herpetologist

Interested in snakes, lizards, and turtles? Then this workshop is for you! Students will participate in activities involving these reptiles and engage in hands-on activities. Build your own stone sea turtle hatchling, measure and weigh it, and learn how accurate data guides its care. Uncover the secrets of baby sea turtles' daring journey from egg to ocean in this exciting and educational experience.

Animal Add-on: Beau (the Ball Python)

May 11: Rachel Carson- Biologist

Chirp, chirp, chirp! Learn all about birds and their intricate relationship to the environment. How does pesticide make its way up the food chain? How does it impact bird eggs? Can the Bald Eagle come back from the brink of extinction? Find out in this soaring GEMS’ lesson focusing on renowned biologist, Rachel Carson.

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​​*Workshop themes are subject to change depending on guest speakers. Stay tuned to this page for updates.