Badge University
formerly Bridging the Gap
formerly 2+2 in the Laboratory

The Helix Club has sponsored Badge University for Junior Girl Scouts every year (formerly called Bridging the Gap or 2+2 in the Laboratory) since 1993. Other UMR student organizations participate and present hands-on activities. Student groups who have participated in the past include: W.T. Schrenk Society (Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students), Kappa Mu Epsiolon (national math honor society), the Mathematics Association of America, SCRUBS (Pre-Medicine Club), Dake Society (Geology and Geophysics student organization) , Society of Women Engineers, Electrical Engineering Student Society and the Society of Physics Students.

Our workshops stress hands-on experience in scientific methods. The scouts learn to observe and collect data, to use basic techniques from chemistry and biology, to solve problems and to observe and analyze results. Applications to everyday life as well as to careers in science and technology are emphasized. The workshops are conducted by the students, with some faculty supervision. Their knowledge and enthusiasm in the areas of math, science, and engineering are sure to give the young women a positive, fun experience. We hope it stimulates an interest in future careers in these technological fields.

The girls are placed in groups (by troop whenever possible) and move from workshop to workshop to complete requirements for the “Bridging the Gap” patch. Below are images of the patches earned in recent years. Click on a patch to see a .pdf file that lists the activities presented that year.