SciGirls II Day 3 2016

What a fabulous, fun-filled, eclectic day of science we had! It all started with Rethink Energy Florida. They came out and gave us a presentation about energy and got us to "rethink" the way we use and the need to conserve energy. They discussed several alternative energy sources and the impact using fossil fuels has on our world! The girls were then able to go outside and test out some solar powered fans! Afterwards, we headed to Tallahassee Rock Gym where the girls learned that rock climbing is not as easy as it sounds! A lot of our girls made it all the way to the top! The best part was how they were cheering each other on and pushing each other (even the teachers!) to keep climbing! They were some great climbers! Though it was a lot of fun, the girls really learned how gravity, friction, and how our bodies must all come together and work to get the job done. During climbing, we were harnessed in and had an instructor holding us using a pulley machine. It was very calming to know that, even if we missed a step, our instructors had our backs, literally! After working up an appetite (and a sweat,) we headed back to the lab for lunch. Rethink Energy Florida came back with a solar cooker and we tested out some cookie dough in the hot, hot sun! The smell of cookies attracted the attention of some of our next group! Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Animal Therapy group was next! There were three animal handlers, including Mrs. Brynn's mother, Sharyn Yesner, with her umbrella cockatoo, Rockie! Also in attendance was Mary Anne Koos with her yellow lab, Jesse, and Marlene Turner, with her black lab, Bailey. Stephanie Perkins and Heather Ashley, program managers, were also in attendance. After Stephanie discussed what the job of Animal Therapy is all about, each handler discussed their pet, and gave us information on how the animals are trained and what all goes into Animal Therapy. Our girls were very interested and had a fantastic time with Bailey, Jesse, and Rockie! Much thanks to the TMH Animal Therapy group for coming out and teaching us about this fabulous program and the joy they bring to so many people. Following TMH, was Sonia McNeil, with The Tallahassee Astronomical Society. She started with a presentation explaining the history of astronomy starting all the way back with Galileo. She also discussed the history of women in astronomy. After a brief discussion about our sun, we went outside and were able to actually view the sun with special glasses! We also got to discover how gravity affects weight on different planets with brick models of how much weight 3 pounds on Earth would equal on each planet. She ended by encouraging the girls to continue their quest for knowledge in astronomy and shared different NASA satellite images using websites, such as NASA Eyes and Visualizations. Overall, it was a huge, wonderful day! Our girls left with smiles on their faces, eagerly wanting more! And, more is what they will get! Tomorrow's agenda includes a visit with Novey Animal Clinic and Zip Lining over animals at the Tallahassee Museum! Can't wait!