Girls in Science and Technology

Girls in the Middle is a program of the YWCA of Jamestown that provides opportunities for hands on educational experiences for girls in order to encourage positive decisions, build resilience, foster positive relationships, and gain skills to face life's challenges. The program meets during the YWCA After School programs at four Jamestown public schools:  Bush Elementary, Fletcher Elementary, Jefferson Middle, and Washington Middle.  All of the program's activities have the goal of providing the participants with skills that will allow them to be successful in their futures with care and respect for their world and community.

Activities in science and technology provide the girls with experience in the scientific method- asking questions, making observations, experimenting, and evaluating their results.  These activities demonstrate to the girls that their actions have an impact on their environment.  Simple, safe, hands-on experiments allow them to become scientists, rather than only learning about them.

Arts and crafts activities encourage the girls to learn new skills, practice them, and then create a work of art that they can be proud of.  Often, the projects also include a multi-step process that require them to listen, follow directions, and be patient while waiting to finish the final work.  Instead of hurrying to get something done, they are encouraged to take their time, and create something that they can proud of.

The Arts

The Celebrate Urban Birds project is a perfect fit for the Girls in the Middle as it incorporates citizen science, art, and family participation.  Prior to the celebration, the girls will learn about the birds included in the project.  They then will be guided in creating their own visual representation of their favorite bird through painting, drawing, or sculpture.  These works will be exhibited in the community, and used to educate and inform the public about the birds.  During the celebration, parents, families, and the community will be invited to view the works of art, and find out how they too can become involved in the project.