Beyond Black Boxes:
Scientific Inquiry at the Computer Clubhouse
Connecting Girls with Technology and Science
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Beyond Black Boxes (BBB) is an initiative to engage girls (ages 9 to 14) in scientific and technological inquiry in a way that feels relevant and inviting to them. Using the mission, resources, and experience of both the Girl Scouts and The Computer Clubhouse, BBB has enabled inner-city girls to explore technology in ways that strengthen their interests and their intellectual, social, and emotional development.
***Hear from the BBB girls themselves about their experiences***
BBB started as a unique collaboration among leading educational organizations in the Boston area:
The Computer Clubhouse's expertise in promoting technological fluency and high-end learning experiences for youth; and the Girl Scout's expertise in girl development and programming, made them perfect partners. The Girl Scout Promise and Law, together with the concept of girl/adult partnership and planning, forms the basis for all Girl Scout programs.
Working with staff and volunteer mentors (professionals and students from Harvard, MIT, and Wellesley), participants built scientific instruments using LEGO, Crickets (microcomputers developed at the MIT Media Lab), motors, sensors, and various other building and art materials. Using Crickets, participants gathered, analyzed, and interpreted data. They created sculptures, moving environments, and other works of science/art.The BBB initiative encouraged experimentation, invention, and fun by making it ok to ask questions, to be beginners, to work individually as well as in groups. It introduced girls to building, design, computer programming, and career opportunities in science and technology.
Based on the collaborative experiences of Patriots' Trail Girl Scout Council Computer Clubhouse and The Computer Clubhouse Network, other sites will be able to use BBB effectively with girls and boys to promote scientific, technological, and artistic exploration.
For more information about "Beyond Black Boxes," contact:
Stina Cooke
(617) 589-0472
Email: scooke@mos.org
 Go to Computer Clubhouse |
 Go to Mass Cultural Council |
 Go to the Museum of Science |
 Go to the Girls Scouts Main Page |