A “Mist”-ical Morning at Jennette’s Pier
It was a fog-filled morning when 20+ Girl Scouts traveled to Jennette’s Pier in Nag’s Head, North Carolina for some nautical fun exploring maritime STEM. Jennette’s Pier, a favorite destination of tourists and residents, was a welcoming place for Girl Scouts who registered to attend “Investigation and Discovery: What Lies Beneath the Ocean’s Surface.” The event began as a misty morning indoors, and as the fog rose, the girls enjoyed time out on Jennette’s Pier overlooking the Atlantic. The event was divided into two groups, one for Girl Scout Cadettes, and another for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. The Cadettes, led by Outreach Coordinator Meredith Fish, started their day by learning about the sounds of the ocean and the form and function of squids through dissection. Meanwhile, the Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, led by Education Curator Christin Brown, did some hands-on activities to learn about renewable energy. They ended their session by creating individual model airboats before exploring microorganisms in the ocean.
“I love watching young girls engaged in science and engineering,” Christin said. “They had a great time designing and racing solar airboats!”
GSCCC has partnered with Jennette’s Pier, just one location within the North Carolina Aquariums, since 2015. Through their partnership with the Girl Scouts, more girls have become aware of the ocean’s biome and how people can directly impact it through their actions. In a recent study conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute, 88% of the girls involved said that Girl Scouts STEM programs helped them learn about STEM and provoked interest in doing more STEM activities. Through these programs in Girl Scouts, 91% of the girls surveyed tried activities they had never done before.
“I have a passion for getting girls engaged in STEM and helping Girl Scouts explore opportunities in science,” Meredith said. “I was never a Girl Scout myself, but I love helping girls become curious about science!”
Troops can book field trips at Jennette’s Pier with 10 or more participants by contacting Christin Brown via ncaquariums.com/education-jennettes-pier.
