Each day girls will perform experiments, conduct research, collect data as they explore the local environment.

Research -Water Analysis
Maintaining healthy water conditions in the Long Island Sound is critical to a thriving ecosystem – how does our local water measure up? Use advanced testing equipment to explore the unseen but essential factors in Long Island Sound. Is there enough oxygen in the water for creatures to breathe? Are there invisible pollutants threatening our food chain from the bottom up? Are waste products travelling across the land, only to end up in the water? And what can we do to help?

DNA Mystery
Solve a DNA mystery just like a professional science investigator! Learn all about the inner workings of DNA, then use your knowledge to figure out a whodunit caper. Use advanced techniques of gel electrophoresis and imagine to compare suspects, eliminate red herrings, and identify the culprit!

ROV Engineering
Explore the depths of the Long Island Sound by building your very own underwater robot! Take on the role of chief engineer and construct your ROV from the frame up. Learn all about how ROVs are used for science, research, and exploration around the world, while testing all the principles needed to help your ROV succeed in its mission. Finally, launch your creation and pilot it through a series of tests!

Soil filtration
At SoundWaters, we learn all about the Long Island Sound. So why should we investigate the land? Find out why! The land surrounding the Sound has a critical role to play in maintaining the health of the entire ecosystem. Collect soil samples, test and examine your findings, and use the soil itself to clean (yes, clean!) a sample of “polluted” water. How much pollution can you remove? What does that mean about our watershed? And why is this so important for our own use of water?

Bio-Engineering lab
Get an extra-special close up encounter with one of the most fascinating animals of the Long Island Sound – the horseshoe crab. Learn all about its many amazing adaptations that have helped horseshoe crabs to survive for over 425 million years – millions of years before the dinosaurs ever existed! Explore the fascinating way in which horseshoe crabs are critical to modern medicine, and conduct an experiment to show how medical professionals have used the help of a horseshoe crab to ensure your own health!

Each day, the Science Stars hear from an adult female professional in a STEM-related field.  The guest speaker will talk with the girls about opportunities for women in science and bring a project that challenges the girls to observe, analyze and experiment.  2018 guest speakers came from the following companies:

Eastern CT State University
FactSet
HARMAN
Newman’s Own
PepsiCo
Point 72
Sikorsky Aircraft
South Wilton Veterinary Clinic
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Xylem