2008 Conference Sessions
GGC Technology Conference 2008 — Going Green — will bring middle school girls from Greater Boston to learn about the science and technology of creating a green environment. There will be 10, two-hour, hands-on sessions on green science and technology, with girls attending one session. There will be no more than 10 girls in each session.
Solar Energy
Girls explore solar energy in three ways: they build a solar oven and cook nachos, they will deconstruct a solar panel and learn how silicone and boron interact to collect solar energy, and they complete an interactive web game on solar energy.
Wind Energy
Girls will explore wind energy by completing a computer simulation on wind energy and then build wind turbines with motors. They will test the power of their turbines with fans and voltmeters.
Polylactide Cups
Polylactide (PLA), a polymer developed through the fermentation of corn, is being used in developing such products as fabric and plastic. Plastic cups made from polylactide are compostible. This process of breaking down the polymer can be accelerated in the laboratory. During this session, girls will learn about polylactide and complete a lab in which they transform cups made from PLA into lactic acid.
City Green
City Green is GIS software that shows the effect that trees have on the urban environment. City Green shows, for example, how much carbon trees sequester and how trees affect water run-off. Students will pose questions about the trees in their neighborhoods, and using GIS data from the Greater Boston Tree Inventory, find out how trees affect the health of their neighborhoods.
Muddy River
Students will learn about the history of the Muddy River and current plans to bring the entire river above ground. Students will collect samples from the river and test its acidity and oxygen levels and look at specimens under the microscope.
DNA Analysis of Trees
Students will conduct a DNA analysis of several tree species, using leaves to extract the DNA from the leaves. Students will then examine DNA gels to learn how a DNA print is read. Students will consider how mapping the DNA of tree species helps biologists.
Paper Chromatography and Plant Sun Print
Students will learn how the changing color of leaves can be shown with paper chromatography. Girls will also learn to create sun print from plant leaves.
Carbon Footprint
Girls will estimate and then calculate the carbon footprint of some of their favorite products, like iPods, cell phones, handbags, and jeans. Girls will consider ways to decrease the carbon footprint of these products.
Parent and Youth Leader Sessions
Parents and youth leaders will learn about careers in science and mathematics, preparing for college, and selecting a high school.
Technology Challenge
During an hour-long afternoon session, girls will work in their home teams and complete a technology challenge. Girls will create a model passive solar house, which will be tested under heat lamps.