YWIB-Greater Boston: Girl Scouts STEM Fest

On May 2, the YWIB-Greater Boston participated in STEM Fest hosted by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, held at their campground in Waltham, MA. The event engaged a broad audience, with 358 students registered, providing a strong platform for hands-on STEM learning and outreach. A highlight of the event was the capstone presentations by YWIB Ambassadors Emily Liu, Lucia Nanda, and Shreya Soni, who explored the science of acids and bases, pH, and the impact of acidic foods on tooth enamel. Their work effectively connected foundational chemistry concepts to real-world health, making the learning both accessible and impactful.

The ambassadors also led an interactive station where participants tested common household and food items using both a red cabbage indicator and pH test strips to compare and validate pH levels. To further demonstrate the effects of acidity over time, they showcased eggshell and chicken bone samples that had been exposed to vinegar. In one striking example, whole eggs placed in white vinegar lost their shells in less than two days, leaving only the flexible membrane intact—providing a powerful visual model of how acidic environments can erode calcium-based structures such as tooth enamel.

The activity generated strong engagement and sparked thoughtful questions—not only from participants but also from parents. Many inquired about the compound responsible for the color change in red cabbage (anthocyanins) and how the indicator was prepared. To support this learning, shredded red cabbage and boiled extracts were displayed, allowing attendees to better understand the process of generating the red cabbage indicator from raw material to usable solution.

We extend our thanks to Eileen Koury and her team for organizing a well-executed event. We also recognize the YWIB team for their support, with special appreciation to Samantha Atkins, Prasanna Neti, Ravneet Chhabra, Beatrice Muriuki, and Claudia Dominici for their contributions during the event. This event highlights the continued impact of YWIB programming in fostering early STEM interest and building confidence in the next generation of women in science.

Submitted by Tamara Paul