por Judy Álvarez, cooperadora salesiana
(Los Angeles, California) – After graduating from college, women in the United States seek fewer jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In 2023, women comprised 47% of the US workforce but only 7% of the 12 million jobs available in STEM fields.* Factors contributing to such statistics include limited quality STEM education programs, social bias, and lack of role models. As Salesian educators, we must facilitate opportunities for young women to overcome these obstacles.
In March 2025, the Girl Scout Troop #82563 members at the Salesian Family Youth Center, including girls ages 5-12, chose to earn their next badge by exploring the wonders of our solar system. The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles provided a unit with resources for this exploration, and the troop leaders, Miriam Rodriguez and Judy Alvarez, went to work to realize the goals:
- To discover the fundamentals of space science as they learn about the Sun, planets, and stars that make up our solar system
- To connect the girls’ imaginations and curiosity as they learn that science can be fun!
First, we were blessed to have Heidi Hatch, a local high school student, and St. Isabel’s Church member, volunteer to create a presentation for our Girl Scouts. Her leadership would serve as a great role model for the girls. She prepared illustrations and a clear presentation engaged the whole troop. Over two sessions, they learned the special characteristics of the planets in our solar system and the moon’s phases, applying their new understanding to age-appropriate activities.
On April 26th, the troop, along with Heidi, took a field trip to the Columbia Space Museum in Downey. The hands-on activities at this museum opened their eyes and minds to other scientific discoveries. The girls had a blast imagining themselves as astronauts, launching rockets, coding robots, and more. Seeing their fascination with the forces of gravity and technology was a delight. Moreover, a young adult woman who was excited about science education and employed at the museum led the tour.
The young members of Girl Scout Troop #84365 are now connected in new ways to the wonders of our solar system and have had varied opportunities to discover more. They also have earned their “Space Science Explorer” badges.
