Forty Girl Scouts from the Hornets’ Nest Council explored topics ranging from air quality and wildlife management to green building and nature identification recently at the Center for the Environment at Catawba College.
Catawba environmental science majors led teams of girls from Rowan, Mecklenburg and York counties in their exploration. Their day-long experience culminated in a scavenger hunt for insects with butterfly nets.
Laura Prevatt, Girl Scout membership specialist for Cabarrus and Rowan, says troops look for ways to expand their understanding of four focus areas ó science, technology, engineering and math.
“We’re really excited at the opportunity for the girls to be exposed to this type of environment and to learn about the center and the Catawba campus and possible careers in the environmental sciences,” Prevatt said.
Amanda Lanier, the center’s coordinator of programming and operations, said the experiential learning the center provides often awakens a desire to explore the environmental sciences more.
“It’s gratifying to see these young girls get excited about science,” she said. “Our Catawba students create an environment where learning is fun.”
The Hornets’ Nest Council is a United Way agency in Rowan County.