Posted on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Westminster College hosted 50 western Pennsylvania Girl Scouts and their leaders Jan. 29 for Sleuth and Puzzle Day.
The fourth- and fifth-grade Scouts rotated through three activities designed to develop their critical thinking skills, seek challenges, and work together to reach higher goals.
Dr. Helen Boylan, Westminster associate professor of chemistry, led a session on DNA. The girls extracted their own DNA and observed their cheek cells under a microscope.
Dr. Carolyn Cuff, Westminster professor of mathematics, explored optical illusions, mazes, and mathematical principles involved in winning the game of NIM.
Dr. Karen Resendes, Westminster assistant professor of biology, conducted a project that allowed students to examine rat hair, dog hair, and human hair under a microscope.
Westminster students who assisted were Ashley Blystone, Nicole George, Jasmine Grady, and Casey Schmidt.
"The Girl Scouts were excited to be in a college setting, participating in activities led by women professors, and being mentored by college women scientists," Cuff said.
Comments from the Scouts reflected their enthusiasm for the day: "Up-close pictures of my hair are cool," "I liked looking at our DNA," "I didn't know hair comes in different shapes," "Animal hair looks different than human hair," and "I loved everything!"
Sponsorship for the event was provided by Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education. Visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for more information about the Drinko Center and its programs.
Contact Cuff at (724) 946-7291 or e-mail ccuff@westminster.edu for additional information.
