Blog Archives
Badge: DNR – Flying Wild (revised)
Flying WILD deals with migratory birds – conservation and environmental awareness. Flying WILD is a part of Project WILD.
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Steps
1. Flying WILD.
Flying WILD has 43 activities focused on birds. They explore conservation and environmental issues through contests, quizzes and hands-on projects. Review the table of contents to see what this program has to offer.
2. The Birding Beat.
www.flyingwild.org/guide/TheBirdingBeat.pdf
Review “The Birding Beat” activity available online. Is this something you can incorporate into your programming?
3. Gulf Oil Spill resources.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/gulfoilspillresources.htm
Review the materials for the Gulf Oil Spill resources.
4. Explore birding links.
www.flyingwild.org/resources/links.htm
Explore the extensive list of links to additional birding resources.
5. Participate in a Flying WILD workshop.
Find and participate in a Flying WILD workshop. Review all of the materials you receive free at the end of this workshop. Explore one or two activities that you can use with others.
6. Incorporating Flying WILD with Girl Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/GSALinks.pdf
Look through the provided lists to see what activities you can incorporate into your Girl Scout activities.
7. Incorporating Flying WILD with Boy Scouts.
www.illinoisaudubon.org/NEWFWfiles/FWpdfs/BSALinks.pdf
Look through activities to find out how to incorporate Flying WILD with Boy Scout activities.
8. Create an activity box.
Create an activity box based on the program/youth you work with to introduce adults to Flying Wild. Include instructions on how the activity works and where the adult can get their own materials if they are interested in learning more.
9. Service.
Explore how you can do a service project with a group or individually-based on Flying WILD. Plan and do your project.
10. Become a trainer or coordinator.
Find out what you need to do to become a trainer, coordinator or volunteer for Flying WILD.
11. Explore ways to share Flying WILD.
Find ways to share Flying WILD with others beyond those in Step 10.
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Sites to Explore
All links are provided within the steps above.
Badge: STEM via PBS (revised)
You can get great information from PBS on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM. They offer workshops, experiments and lesson plans as well as exceptional shows to help you explore your world in these areas. Many of the shows are available for viewing on the Web. This badge program focuses on items you can take back to use with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other youth groups.
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Steps
1. Zoom! Girl Scouts® recommended science training.
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
Zoom helps kids understands science. As part of their offerings, they have an adult training. This one is recommended by GSUSA. Start with this training to see how easy it is to lead science activities. Feel free to save the materials and resources for use at a later date. Suggested age for this show / materials is 9 and older.
2. Middle Level STEM Education with “Design Squad,” “Fetch,” and “DragonflyTV”.
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
Find out about a few more STEM education shows on PBS. The link will take you to the archives of webinars. Watch the one with the title of this step. Look through the other webinar offerings and see if anything else looks interesting to you that you might want to come back and check later.
For now, let’s see what’s available from these three shows.
3. Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman.
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
Fetch! Is another show featuring science for kids. The training and activities are different from Zoom! Suggested age for this show / materials is 6-10. It also has science training to help you get started.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for 6-10 year olds featuring science and engineering activities. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
4. Design Squad.
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
Design Squad deals with engineering. There is a workshop for educators/adults at the link in this step. In addition, there are numerous guides and activities you can do with kids. Activities are designed for kids from Kindergarten (K) through grade 12.
NOTE: There is a Girl Scout patch for Juniors through Ambassadors. The requirements will be available with the PDF of this badge program. The badge does not say “Girl Scouts”, so it can be earned by others as well.
5. Dragonfly TV!
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
While this show does not have workshops for adults, it does have numerous educator’s guides. It also has numerous scientific activities for kids. Activities are available for preschoolers through teenagers.
6. NOVA.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
The best science show on television, Nova has 37 seasons to show for it. This link is to the education site. The materials you can use are numerous, so it’s easier to explore for yourself. You can find science, technology, engineering and math for grades 6-12. In addition, the digital libraries are free.
7. For teachers.
Feeling adventurous? PBS has a site just for teachers. You can select the grade level you’re looking for and general subject matter. In addition, PBS does free online webinars, discussions and more. You might not be specifically a “teacher”, but the materials they provide for free to help children are extensive.
8. Explore on your own.
PBS science shows are for everyone. Check out these additional PBS sites. The URLs are in the “Sites to Explore” section.
- Nature — For grades 6-12, explores the natural world.
- Secrets of the Dead — For grades 6-12, introduces science through investigation into ancient mysteries.
- Jean-Michel Cousteau: Ocean Adventures — For grades 6-12, covers themes of adaptations, ecosystems and human impact through ocean studies.
- NOVAscienceNOW — For grades 6-12, covers the developments and people in science and technology today.
- Wired Science — For grades 6-12, explores the cutting-edge topics in science and technology.
- E2 — For grades 6-12, explores environmental and social challenges.
- Mathline — For grades K-12, includes over 100 free lesson plans and video lessons.
- NewsHour Extra: Science resources for teachers and students — For grades 6-12, features many teaching resources.
- Scientific American Frontiers — For grades 5-12, explores the latest trends in science, medicine, technology and the environment.
- The Ascent of Money — For grades 6-12, examines the economic system.
- Curious George — For grades PreK-5, extends learning opportunities of the show.
- Sid the Science Kid — For PreK-5, helps to develop natural wonder and build a foundation for early science exploration.
- EekoWorld — For K-4, teaches environmental science.
- Kratts’ Creatures — For PreK-5, explores wildlife and habitats in an online world.
- Cyberchase — For PreK-5, teaches core math and science concepts.
- The Democracy Project — For grades 3-6, find out about the American democratic process.
- Misunderstood Minds — For anyone, learn about how to help understand and overcome learning disabilities.
- SciGirls — SciGirls features tween girls using science and engineering in everyday situations. It even encourages science clubs.
PBS is continually coming out with thought-provoking and educational programming. Don’t stop exploring just because you’ve hit the end of this list. Continue looking through their site for more and share your findings.
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Supplements
FOUND_DS_GirlScout_Patch_Web.pdf
. Design Squad (engineering) patch program, activity sheets are available in English and Spanish.
FOUND_FETCH_GirlScoutPatch.pdf
. FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman patch program features science and engineering activities.
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Sites to Explore
pbskids.org/zoom/grownups/scitraining
www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html
www.pbs.org/parents/fetch/training/index.html
pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/workshop/welcome.html
www.pbs.org/parents/dragonflytv/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers
www.pbs.org/teachers
www.pbs.org/wnet/nature
www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets
www.pbs.org/kqed/oceanadventures/educators
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow
www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/education
www.pbs.org/e2/index.html
www.pbs.org/teachers/math
www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/science
www.pbs.org/saf/educators.htm
www.pbs.org/wnet/ascentofmoney/lessons
pbskids.org/curiousgeorge
pbskids.org/sid
pbskids.org/eekoworld
pbskids.org/krattscreatures
pbskids.org/cyberchase
pbskids.org/democracy/educators/index.html
www.pbs.org/wgbh/misunderstoodminds/math.html
pbskids.org/scigirls
www.pbs.org/parents/catinthehat/explorer_guide_topten_tips.html
Badge: Girl Scout Traditions – Volunteer / Adult
As Girl Scouts reach and pass their first centennial, looking back to where we have been gives us an idea of the accomplishments that have been made by one person’s vision — Juliette Gordon Low. The Girl Scout Traditions badge set allows you to explore not only each level available as of 2012, but also general traditions that have been developed by Girl Scouts worldwide for generations.
NOTE: Read through the steps below. Note any resources that you might need to complete this badge program. Check SUPP_GS_Traditions_Glance.pdf for a listing of all Girl Scout Traditions supplements. If you need resources beyond what is provided, check your Service Unit and Council archives. You can also check with other leaders for assistance with acquiring materials.
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Girl Scout volunteers have had many titles and positions over the years. Let’s explore their development and expectations of GSUSA.
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Steps
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Exploring the past
1. Captain, leader, facilitator.
When volunteering with Girl Scouts began, captains lead their girls. We’ve also been called leaders and facilitators. As you look through the history of Girl Scouts, pay attention to the changing titles and responsibilities for adults who work with the girls.
2. Looking to the past.
Review the various “leader’s guides” provided as supplements to this badge program. Note items you think the girls might like to try that have been removed from the latest materials provided by GSUSA. Present them at a special meeting for your troop, a service unit event or make a training of your own to share with others.
3. Customizing your materials.
If you’ve looked through the level badges, you’ll see that it was not unusual to have a lack of formal materials or badge requirements. It took imagination and resourcefulness to provide programming for girls. This holds true today as we move into the Journeys as the way to expose girls to leadership. Customize activities to compare our current program with that of the past.
4. Learning to step back.
When girls first become Girl Scouts as Daisies, it is up to the adult volunteer to provide programming for the girls. As the girls move up in levels, the girls slowly take over the programming and the volunteer becomes an advisor. This progression is evident in other areas in addition to programming. Review how adults allow the girls to become leaders through taking charge of their own activities.
5. Online resources.
The Web has opened up a way for creative adults to find, make and share materials with each other. This takes a lot of the pressure of leading girls off. It also allows you to expand programming in ways you may not be familiar with, but you can acquire enough information to start the girls on the path. Find something your girls are interested in pursuing and learn how other volunteers have presented the same information, somewhere the girls can go to find the information or the resources so you / your girls can create new programming.
6. Other adult volunteer positions.
As an adult, you can volunteer for many positions that do not interact directly with the girls as a leader. From volunteering to put on a specific program to training other adults, there are many volunteer positions that are available. Review your council’s Web site or contact someone “above” you within the Girl Scout organization and learn about additional volunteering roles you might choose to participate in. Find out what you need to do to fill the volunteer roles.
7. Training for adults.
GSUSA provides online training for basic information. After that councils and volunteers provide training for new adults. Find out what training you are required for the level where you currently volunteer. If you’ve not taken anything, schedule and take the training.
In addition, supplemental training can be found with additional classes to learn songs, games, ceremonies and more. Find out if your council has supplemental trainings, whether offered individually or as a “leader’s day” or “leader’s weekend” event. Choose one and attend to find out more about trainings available to support you in your volunteer efforts.
8. Girl Scout Leader’s Day.
In 1982, Girl Scout Leader’s Day was celebrated for the first time on April 22nd. While you may feel that you shouldn’t point out to your girls that it is a day honoring you and the work you do, share this with your girls. Plan a special meeting doing something you enjoy and share your enthusiasm with your girls.
9. Girl Scout adult insignia.
www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/where_to_place
Like the girls they work with, adults also have items they can wear to show their support of Girl Scouts. Find the image of adult insignia on the link above and research those items. Acquire those items that reflect your work as a volunteer with Girl Scouts.
10. GSUSA recognitions.
GSUSA has adult recognitions. While some may be earned such as leaves for training you take above that required, some are given to you for service. These are recognitions from other adults who feel you’re going beyond the efforts required of your volunteer post. Investigate adult awards and how to get them for yourself or recommend someone else.
11. Fun patches.
Girls love fun patches. Everything you do may not go toward earned insignia. Many times, adult volunteers purchase an additional patch for themselves so they can remember the fun too. Explore ways you can collect fun patches and display them.
12. Girl Scout Alumnae.
If you’ve been a Girl Scout or volunteer, you are a Girl Scout Alumnae. From current estimates, there are 50 million of us. Find a Girl Scout Alumnae organization within your council or online and see what they do. Determine if this is something you’d like to participate in.
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Non-Girl Scout support
13. Training outside Girl Scouts.
Training for adults is not limited to the classes and weekends provided by council and volunteers. From PBS and their science workshops for Zoom!, Fetch! and Design Squad to local craft classes — anything you learn that you can share with your Girl Scouts can be counted for training hours. Look for local or online classes. Participate in one that you feel you can use with your Girl Scouts.
14. Adult Enrichment Project.
The AEP provides badge programs to give you even more support. You can learn at your own pace. Often, support materials can be taken back to trainings and meetings to share with other Girl Scouts. Find a badge program you feel goes beyond your comfort zone and try it. The AEP is a great way bring new ideas and skills into your programming.
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