This spring, over 500 members from units across the Midlands visited the National Space Centre. Thanks to our partnership with the UK Space Agency, we're working to inspire girls to reach for the stars, challenge stereotypes, and know that space and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is for everyone.
Credit: Girlguiding A day exploring the wonders of spaceBrownie units from across the Midlands travelled to the National Space Centre in Leicester for a day of space exploration. The girls found out what it was like to be an astronaut, built rocket towers, and discovered their favourite planets in the planetarium.
Credit: GirlguidingThe girls also got to hear from Dr Meganne Christian, member of the European Space Agency Astronaut Reserve, who offered a fascinating glimpse into being an astronaut and encouraged Brownies to stay curious about space.
Credit: Girlguiding Brownies shared their favourite momentsWhat's been your favourite part of the day?
"My favourite part of the day was when there was a real astronaut talking to us!' Another Brownie added: "Everything! Seeing the astronaut was super special", and "when we got to look at all the rockets."
Isla from 4th Belper Brownies loved the planetarium: "I liked all the facts about the different planets."
If you could visit any planet in the Solar System, where would you go?
A Brownie from 4th Attleborough Brownies in Warwickshire said: "I'd like to explore Mars because of all of the craters and volcanoes there, and it would just be cool to see."
Abigail from 4th Belper Brownies agreed: "I'd like to go to Mars because it's very interesting how there's volcanoes there... so I'd like to see what all of it looks like."
A Wingerworth Brownie chose Saturn because they "like that it's a ring and how you can't actually step on the planet because it's made of gas."
Have you tried anything today that you've never done before?
The 4th Attleborough Brownies were very excited about meeting Meganne Christian: "I've seen an astronaut which is something I've never done before!"
Others were excited to know what it felt like to land in space: "I've never put my head into a big wheel that makes you feel a bit sick before."
After a busy day, Brownies left with a newly earned space interest badge, sponsored by the UK Space Agency.
Get your space interest badgeIf you haven't earned yours yet, get ready - your out-of-this-world adventure star
Hearing from our volunteersAre your Brownies enjoying themselves?
Yes, definitely. I'm enjoying myself and learning some new things as well. I think that, as a leader, it's always nice not just to do it for the girls but you also get to learn a bit. I was absolutely ecstatic when we got the tickets so I'm really glad we're here. - Attleborough Brownies Leader
How have you found bringing your Brownies here?
Absolutely loved it. We're so happy to get picked. A lot of them have never been here before so just hearing them go 'wow' when they came in and taking them to experiences for the first time is really cool. - Alex, Wingerworth Brownies Leader
Many units shared their highlights from the dayA big thank you to Girlguiding Midlands, the UK Space Agency, and the National Space Centre for making this amazing day happen.
We're also grateful to our wonderful volunteers and parents who helped make the trip possible - and, of course, to every curious Brownie who got stuck in and had a blast!
Inspiring the next generation of space explorersDid you know that our flagship annual research, the Girls’ Attitudes Survey, found that many girls think STEM subjects are ‘more for boys’? Girls also told us they don’t see enough women role models in STEM.
That’s why we’ve been working with the UK Space Agency to reignite girls’ curiosity about space and STEM. The survey also showed that many girls dream of becoming scientists and astronauts - and we’re here to show them that STEM is for everyone, and girls can do anything.
Last year, thanks to our partnership, girls had the incredible opportunity to meet and interview Meganne Christian, European Space Agency Reserve Astronaut. Watch the video here.
For more ways to explore space at home or in your unit, discover free space-themed educational resources on the UK Space Agency website.
seen at 10:54, 19 March in UK Space Agency blog.