Ep 11. Episode 11
- TV-G
- April 22, 2010
- 26 min
SciGirls is a remarkable science-based show that empowers young girls to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and computing activities. The show follows the adventures of a group of middle school girls as they embark on various scientific projects and experiments.
In episode 11, the SciGirls, Izzie and Lucia, set out on a mission to help a local farmer, Mr. Flores, whose crops have been affected by severe drought. As they work together to find a solution, they learn about soil moisture and how it affects plants and the environment.
The girls first meet with Mr. Flores, who is worried about the state of his crops. He explains that the drought has been particularly harsh this year, and he has been struggling to keep his crops alive. The girls observe the dry and crumbly soil and begin to think about ways to bring moisture to the soil. They also notice that there are several trees on the farm that seem to have a lot of leaves, despite the drought.
The girls decide to use a potometer, a scientific instrument that measures water uptake, to learn about the trees' water usage. They learn that the trees absorb the water from the ground and transpire it through their leaves, which helps to cool the environment and keep the soil moist.
To get more information, the girls meet with Dr. Davis, a plant biologist who explains to the girls the process of photosynthesis and transpiration. She also explains how the lack of water can affect the trees and plants and how it can lead to diseases in plants. The girls learn that plants need water to survive and that it's crucial to keep the soil moist.
Taking this information back to Mr. Flores's farm, the girls decide to use a moisture sensor to determine the moisture content of the soil in different areas of the farm. They find that some areas of the farm are drier than others, and they come up with a plan to irrigate the dry areas to help the crops.
Using drip irrigation, the girls set up a system that delivers water to the plants according to their water needs, making sure that the soil remains moist without overwatering. They also make sure that the irrigation water is clean, without any harmful chemicals that could harm the environment.
Throughout the episode, the girls learn about the importance of soil moisture and how it affects plants and the environment. They also learn about the importance of taking care of the environment and using sustainable methods to irrigate crops.
In the end, the girls' solution helps Mr. Flores's farming business thrive, and they are proud of the impact they have made on the environment and the community.
SciGirls does an excellent job of making science and technology accessible to young girls in a way that encourages them to engage with the material. The show's emphasis on teamwork, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills is a valuable lesson that not only applies to science but to life in general. Episode 11 is an excellent example of how the SciGirls team uses science and technology to solve real-world problems and make a difference in people's lives.