Mattel Canada (Barbie) + STEM Camp
In 2019 STEM Camp was involved in a project with Mattel Canada to launch Barbie into space! The event took place at the STEM Camp location at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario involving over 60 campers.
The Launching Barbie Into Space event was a huge success!
The purpose of the event was to remind campers (especially girls) that they can be anything they want to be. It was a morning full of learning and fun!
Educational components included general space information; how would gravity, air resistance and temperatures Barbie would encounter affect the flight, etc.
A special post card was also created that accompanied Barbie on her inaugural space flight. The postcard (along with Barbie) was returned safely to Earth the following week.
To celebrate Barbie Astronaut Day every camper received a Barbie Astronaut at every STEM Camp in Ontario – reaching over 800 children!
Finally...Liftoff!
At 11:00 am the launch was live-streamed to all forty eight (48) STEM Camp locations so every camper could participate.
Campers were inspired by Aerospace Engineer Natalie Panek, “My one key message is never stop learning, dream big and reach for the stars.”
After a few minutes, Barbie traversed the stratosphere and crossed the “space gates”. It was an incredible moment for everyone there – children and adults, boys and girls!
“I liked when I saw Barbie flying up to the sky inside the balloon. At this time, I thought it was myself” Gabi Aguiar, 5 years old.
STEM Camp will always look for ways to make science, technology, engineering and math fun for kids - especially girls. Fostering girls' passion for STEM will help close the gender gap and play an important role in filling STEM job shortages in the years to come. Go girls!