Science website earns Brownie points

Girlguiding UK, the organisation for girls and young women in the UK, has launched a new website, Brownies, that aims to get girls more interested in science.

The website is aimed at the 250,000 Brownies in the UK who are aged between seven and 10.

Some of the funding for the site is being provided by the Institute of Physics. Its recent research into why girls choose not to study physics beyond 16 suggested that most girls were only interested in physics when it reflected their personal interests and surroundings, such as how straightening irons work.

The site includes interactive activities, encouraging visitors to explore the science of colour and reflection by building their own kaleidoscope, and uses a character called ‘Phineous Phedgehog’ to explain gravity and force.

It also encourages members to stretch their imagination and creativity away from the computer by providing simple instructions on how to conduct experiments at home, from launching rocket balloons to constructing crawling ladybirds.

Visitors are invited to join the book club and potential writers can share their talents by submitting stories and poems for online publication.

The site also has a strictly regulated online forum, where youngsters can post questions about science and offer each other guidance through emails to the site, giving them the opportunity to learn from each other.