Middle School Girls’ STEEM Summer Institute: Botany

The STEEM Program provides middle school girls with a professional mentorship opportunity while simultaneously building their confidence and competence in the sciences.
The Summer Institute focuses on a different STEEM topic each week. The week is spent building trust, confidence, and courage in the fields of science, technology, engineering, environment, and math. Activities include hands-on experiential learning opportunities with leaders in STEEM fields, practice in science communication, and setting personal goals for professional and academic careers.
In Botany week, girls will explore the fascinating world of plants, from blooms to bryophytes and gardens to grasslands. Perfect for anyone with a passion for all things green, this camp will offer a diverse look into the field of botany. With hands-on activities led by experienced professionals and trips to nature areas, campers will gain firsthand experience in the fields of plant biology, taxonomy, gardening, foraging, and conservation.
This camp aims to connect young botanists with the natural world and foster an understanding and appreciation of the plant life around them. Through meaningful interactions with accomplished women in the fields of plant biology, conservation, and horticulture, STEEM campers will be empowered to be future leaders in the field of botany.
Participants in this camp will embark on an exciting journey, exploring various aspects of conservation through hands-on activities, field trips, and engaging workshops led by experienced mentors. From understanding biodiversity and ecosystems to learning about endangered species and habitat restoration, girls will gain a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving our planet’s natural treasures.
The camp emphasizes the intersection of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in addressing conservation challenges. Girls will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies used in wildlife tracking, conservation mapping, and environmental monitoring. Through interactive experiments and real-world applications, they will develop practical skills and a solid foundation in conservation science.
Field trips to local conservation sites, land easements, and wildlife reserves will provide participants with firsthand experiences and insights into the diverse ecosystems around them. Guest speakers, including female leaders in conservation, will share their journeys, encouraging girls to envision themselves as future champions for conservation and wilderness management.