Membership Portal
Meet Jacquelyn
Hello Educators! Welcome to My Lab!
I’m Jacquelyn Thomas, founder of Girls Pursuing Science, affectionately known as GPS. I am also a Scientist! An “old school” scientist! I say “old school” because I didn’t realize science was so cool until much later in life. Until recently, there have been few references to women who have made tremendous impacts on the world in STEM related careers. However, women have played key roles in innovation without proper recognition, from putting men on the moon to designing and building some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Yet, women continue to be under-represented in STEM Careers today. Additionally, women of color are significantly under-represented in STEM Careers.
Although, according to research:
- Boys and girls are performing virtually the same in science and math
- Girls have surpassed boys in high school graduation rates, enrollment in AP classes, and selection as valedictorians
- Girls are less likely to pursue advanced STEM degrees and careers
- Women continue to make less than men for the same product or service
Unfortunately, as I go in to schools across the country, the later two reflects reality. Therefore, I created the B.O.S. Curriculum to empower all girls by fueling creativity and initiating divergent thinking.
“It’s the Beauty of STEM“
Get to Know the Curriculum
The BOS is your one stop shop to bringing STEM and STEAM innovation to your classroom. Girls build chemistry and math concepts by making their own cosmetic products!
The BOS is a digital instructor-led curriculum with over 75 project based learning activities. Cool STEM and STEAM skill building animated videos that recaps science and mathematical concepts. The BOS is designed to engage, excite, and ignite creativity and critical thinking. Girls get excited about science and math, use technology to do research, create digital art, and CODE! The BOS builds creativity skills using real world applications. Finally, the Beauty of Business! Girls learn how to successfully start a business by creating a budget, marketing campaign and developing a business plan. The BOS is divided into three Modules: STEM, STEAM and Business Development. Includes over 75 hands on projects! Downloadable Student Workbook and Instructors Manual. After-school- Summer Camp- In-School Enrichment. You choose – the BOS delivers!
Professional Development
A Quick Start to The B.O.S.
Now that your equipment has arrived, we want to make sure that it does not sit in a closet waiting on professional development! This section is a “quick Start” to get you up and running.
Check your Box- if you are short or have damaged products, please contact us immediately @ 704-469-3535. Replacements are shipped the next day!
Next, review the digital curriculum, starting with the “curriculum overview” tab in the top menu and work your way through the site. Review each page to familiarize yourself with the layout. Watch the first five videos. The videos are designed to give a breif overview and explanation of the science and math concepts.
Next review the document sections…this includes your downloadable Student Workbooks and Instructor manual.
It is also important to note the material safety data sheets (MSDS) documents. MSDS documents list the ingredients, test, and emergency medical information on all the chemicals that are enclosed in your kit. READ THEM CAREFULLY.
Adhere to all the WARNING NOTES about the danger of mixing the BOS chemicals and supplies with other products. NEVER MIX OTHER CHEMICALS WITH THE BOS CHEMICALS.
ACTIVITY SECTION -STEPS TO IMPLEMENTATION:
1. Choose your project
2. Give students an overview of the section
3. Provide students a copy of the worksheets.
4. Show the video of each activity
5. Students use the worksheets to complete the activity
6. Use the Instructor’s Guide for additional instructions.
Still have questions or would like to order on-site Professional Development contact us: curricululm@beautyofstem.com
Introduction
- Applies real-world applications to STEM & STEAM
- Blends STEAM and Business Development
- Includes real divergent thinking and project-based learning activities.
The Beauty of STEM (B.O.S.) The curriculum was designed especially for girls! Through fun and engaging activities. girls laugh and learn their way to the mastery of STEM, STEAM, and Business Development, while experimenting with safe ingredients and real scientific tools.
The B.O.S. includes professional lab tools and chemicals that motivate girls to continue discovering, exploring, and pursuing careers in STEM and or starting their own business. The 005. The curriculum includes ingredients and tools to develop professional-grade cosmetic products and engage in over 75 STEM enrichment activities:
- Bubble Bath
- Bath Fizzles
- Perfume
A Note to Students
The B.O.S. kit includes everything that you need to extend your learning beyond the classroom! You will learn how to make cosmetic products which are safe, smell good and feel great on your skin. The curriculum is divided into three categories: STEM, STEAM, and Entrepreneurship.
The STEM section includes an activity, a pre-lab activity, hypothesis, and data collection.
In the STEAM section, you will do an activity for each category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
The Entrepreneurship activities include business development activities which are designed to teach you how to save, grow, and manage your money into wealth.
Each section ends with an analysis and conclusion. This is a place where you can reflect back on what you have learned so when you get ready to make the product again, you will have detailed notes on what worked and what did not.
The B.O.S. Classroom Kit Contents
The B.O.S, Classroom Kit supplies and equipment includes the materials required to complete all activities in the Online OST Curriculum. Including, product raw ingredients, bottles, containers, tops, sprayers, cups, pipettes, stirrers, colorants, fragrance, beakers, and branding templates. See the list below:
CLASSROOM KIT SUPPLIES & MATERIALS
| Bubble Bath-Shampoo-Conditioner |
| GPS Product Base |
| Pearling Agent |
| Bath Fizzies |
| Sodium Bicarbonate |
| Citric Acid |
| Fizzy Cups |
| Lip Balm |
| Lip Balm Base |
| Lip Balm Containers |
| Lip Balm Flavor Oil |
| Perfume |
| Perfume Base |
| Soap Jellies |
| Jelly Soap Base |
| Containers |
| Color Science |
| GPS Clear Base |
| Crayon-Shaped Soap Tray |
| Lotion Science |
| Lotion Base |
| Essential Oil |
| Eye Shadow Science |
| Mica |
| Refined Shea Butter |
| Eye Shadow Pots |
| Conditioner |
| Base |
| Essential Oil |
| Spritzer |
| Spritzer Base |
| ADDITIVES & EQUIPMENT |
| Stirrers |
| Pipettes |
| Colorant |
| 100% Pure Fragrance Oils |
| Product Bottles and Containers |
| ADD-ONS |
| Lab Coats |
| Lab Glasses |
| 8oz. Beakers |
| Printed Student Manuals |
| Printed Instructor Manual |
Elements for Project Based Learning
- Each activity focuses on team play, creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Each session includes a challenging problem and a question.
- The girls engage in a rigorous extended process of asking questions, finding resources and applying information.
- The B.O.S. Kit Curriculum includes real-world context, tasks and tools that speak to the girls’ personal concerns and interests.
- The girls have a voice and choice about the projects they create.
- Each session includes time for reflection and evaluation. The girls will focus on what worked, the product quality, and the obstacles and how to overcome them.
- Each activity includes opportunities for the girls to have open, candid conversations while giving and receiving feedback to improve their process and products.
- Each activity includes resources and opportunities for the girls to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.
Instructional Sequence
Before each session begins, check computers, smart boards, project materials to ensure that everything is working properly, and you have adequate materials to successfully complete the project. Set up your classroom to accommodate groups of no more than four students to a table. If you made the product prior to class, place a table in the front of the room with your product samples nicely displayed. It will help to build excitement!
6 STEPS TO IMPLEMENTATION:
- Choose your project
- Give students an overview of the section
- Provide students a copy of the worksheets.
- Show the video of each activity
- Students use the worksheets to complete the activity
- Use the Instructor’s Guide for additional instructions.
At the end of each session, the students will use the chemistry concepts they learned in the research section to make cosmetic products. At the end of the curriculum, the students will create an Ad for their products and develop a business plan.
Intro (10 – 15 min)
Introduce the product for today and explain each STEM or STEAM activity concept and the corresponding video. If you have made a sample, pass it around so the girls will have an idea of what the finished product will look like. Review the safety and sanitation rules of the lab environment.
The Lab (45-60 min)
During the lab, students may work alone or in groups. If students are working individually, they should watch the video of each STEM or STEAM activity and complete the activity using the worksheets .
In a group setting, each group of girls form a team and each member of the team have a specific role and responsibilities. After the instructor briefly explains each of the roles, students choose what team roles they want to fill. The roles are:
- Lab Scientist: Responsible for leading the group projects and assigning responsibilities to each girl (some students may share assignments, if necessary), ensuring that the group has adequate supplies, cleaning assignments, etc.
- Physicist: Responsible for leading the mathematical sections and ensuring that the formulations for the group are calculated correctly.
- Research Scientist: Responsible for leading the group in research and finding information about the materials, ingredients and procedures used during the experiments and ensuring that the resources are credible.
- Chemist: Guides the group through the procedures and steps to mix and make products.
Wrap Up
After each project completion, the girls will review their final product and complete the analysis and conclusion section. Each girl should be able to answer the questions about their experiment and discuss the outcomes with the class. Clean up. Observe and discuss progress in the class or within their groups.
Safety Tips
Take the Tips seriously! Keep your students safe and avoid accidents.
Tips
- Read through ALL the steps before you start. We know that it is tempting to start with the procedure section where the products are made; however, if you understand the science behind the product, you can make a perfect product.
- Read the notes and follow the GPS Scientist’s advice.
- Before you begin making your product, clean (sanitize) your work area. Wipe your work surface with a light solution of bleach in water or use a sanitized wipe.
- Gather all of your ingredients before you start making your product.
- The fragrance oil in your kit is highly concentrated. Always start with a small amount and add additional amounts until you are satisfied.
- The gel colorant is very concentrated. Stir until all of the colors are well blended. You will know that your product is well blended if you do not see any streaks.
- You may measure your ingredients by weight using a digital scale, or by using measuring spoons and cups.
- Before reusing your pipettes, wash in warm soapy water.
- If you do not understand some of the words or math process, research for the answer. Research is a key component of science.
The Beauty of Bubble Bath Science
Great scientists like to know as much information as they can about their topic before they start their experiments. You are making bubbly bubble bath in this activity. Your researching and collaboration skills will be very important throughout your scientific work. To begin, review each STEM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project. Download the Lesson
1. Background Information
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. Pre-lab Activity
Make an Educated Guess
- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. Hypothesis
Scientific Method
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. Make Bubble Bath
Conduct Your Experiment
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. Analysis and Conclusion
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Bath Fizzies
In this section, we will make Bath Fizzies! Also known as “Bath Bombs”. In the following activities we will explore what makes bath fizzies fizz. To begin, review each STEM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. Background Information
Research- Research
- Inquiry
2. Pre-lab Activity
Learn about a pH scale- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. Hypothesis
Make an Educated Guess- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. Make Bath Fizzies
Conduct Your Experiment- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. Data Collection
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
6. Analysis & Conclusion
Revisit Your Experiment- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Perfume
In this activity you will learn new vocabulary terms and math skills to solve for percentages. Our goal is to use the best formulation to create our own signature scent! We will also conduct research on what makes perfume, perfume!
To begin, review each STEM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. Background Information
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. Pre-lab Activity
The Beauty of Mathematics
- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. Hypothesis
Make an Educated Guess
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. Make Perfume
Follow the steps
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. Analysis and Conclusion
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Lip Balm
Lip balm prevents our lips from becoming too dry or chapped. Some have color, smell great and moisturize! This activity will teach us the important components of lip balm and how it is made.
To begin, review each STEM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. Background Information
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. Pre-lab Activity
The Beauty of Mathematics
- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. Hypothesis
Make an Educated Guess
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. Make Lip Balm
Follow the Steps
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. Analysis and Conclusion
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Soap Jellies
We use soaps for washing, cleaning, and relaxing. As with all of our products and everything around us, soaps are made up of atoms and molecules – or matter. In this STEAM activity, you will combine your understanding of science and soap. In the Technology activity, you will use your computer to create an animation that wiggles like jelly soap!
To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. TECHNOLOGY
Learn How to Code
- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. ENGINEERING
The Engineering Design Process
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
3. ENGINEERING
The Engineering Design Process
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. ENGINEERING II
Make Soap Jellies
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. ART
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
6. MATH
Review Your Algebra Skills
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Color Science
Colors play an important role in our everyday lives. In business, color is also a creative marketing tool as a colorful advertisement can “control” a consumer’s buying habits.
In this section you will conduct the preliminary research to learn about the science of color. As you learn about the color science, you will be making soap crayons. In addition, we will be turning STEM into STEAM, ART is another fundamental component in the process. You’ll be learning how to design packaging, and maybe your own device to see the light spectrum!
To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. TECHNOLOGY
Design
- Creative Thinking
- Use a Paint Program
3. ENGINEERING
Create Soap Crayons
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. ART
Create a Spectrometer
- Research
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
5. MATH
Calculate Dimensions
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Lotion
How does lotion work to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized? The secret is in the three layers of our skin! When you shower and use harsh soaps, the natural oils of your skin are taken away. The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects our bodies from germs, maintains body temperature, and senses touch. Our goal is to create a lotion that helps to replenish the natural oils in our skin and leaves our skin hydrated.
To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. TECHNOLOGY
Internet Research
- Digital Citizenship
3. ENGINEERING
Design & Make
- Divergent Thinking
- Project Based Learning
4. ART
Use Your Drawing Skills
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
5. MATH
Understand Percentages
- Problem Solving
- Communication
6. Analysis and Conclusion
Revisit Your Experiment
- Ask Questions
- Discovery
- Explore
The Beauty of Eye Shadow
In this section we will discover how eye shadow stays on our eyes all day and how eye shadow colors are made? This experiment will help you to understand the physical nature of the main ingredient in eye shadow: Mica!
To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Background
- Research
- Inquiry
2. TECHNOLOGY
Test & Identify Minerals
- Divergent Thinking
- Problem Solving
3. ENGINEERING
Create Eye Shadow
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
- Communication
4. ART
Design a Label
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
5. MATH
Units of Measurement
- Explore
- Communication
6. Analysis and Conclusion
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
The Beauty of Eye Shampoo
Have you ever wondered how shampoo actually works to make your hair silky and clean? In this section, we will discover how shampoo works. Then we will make our own bottle of real shampoo and conduct a cost analysis for resell. To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project. Download the Lesson
1. SCIENCE
Make Predictions
- Organization
2. TECHNOLOGY
Organize Data
- Digital Citizenship
3. ENGINEERING
Make Shampoo
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. ART
Create with Recycled Materials
- Project Based Learning
- Creativity
- Communication
5. MATH
Think About a Cost Analysis
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
- Explore
The Beauty of Shampoo
After washing your hair with shampoo, the next step is to use hair conditioner. Your hair is left feeling
clean and smooth! In this activity, you will make your own conditioner, but not without understanding the science behind it first! Along with research and collaboration, you will use math skills to determine the correct quantities for different sizes of product, and engineer your own conditioner.
To begin, review each STEAM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Learn & Explore
- Research
- Brainstorm
2. TECHNOLOGY
Research
- Digital Citizenship
- Problem Solving
3. ENGINEERING
Make Conditioner
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. ART
Design a Package Label
- Creativity
- Communication
5. MATH
Think About Quantity
- Compare
- Explore
6. Analysis and Conclusion
- Ask Questions
- Reflect
The Beauty of Spritzer Science
In this activity, we will be creating our own spritzer (also called “air fresheners”). We will learn about what makes up spritzers we find in the store, and how we can create our own environmentally-friendly spritzer. In addition, we will create a product, design packaging using technology, make some connections between algebra and real-life applications, and begin to explore free-hand design for product labels.
To begin, review each STEM activity in your BOS student guide and each corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. SCIENCE
Research Activity
- Research
- Inquiry
2. TECHNOLOGY
Create Digital Art
- Multiple Modalities
- Problem Solving
3. ENGINEERING
Let’s Make Spritzer
- Project Based Learning
- Discovery
- Critical Thinking
4. ART
Make a Label for Your Product
- Creativity
- Communication
5. MATH
Using Ratios
- Ask Questions
- Brainstorm
The Beauty of Product Labeling
There is so much more to the labels we see on products than what we would expect. Products need to give consumers instructions: how to care for the product, is there a warning message needed, does the product need to be shaken before use?
This activity will provide deeper understanding of product labels, their purposes, and what are the federal laws that help to regulate them.
To begin, review the STEM activity in your BOS student guide and the corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. Background Information
The “Why” of Product Labeling
- Research
- Inquiry
The Beauty of Reverse Engineering
As scientists, we are always looking for ways to create a quality product, without spending
a lot on the ingredients we choose. The Beauty of Reverse Engineering is all about
creating a version of an existing product, making it better, and producing it at more of a
cost savings to us than our competitors.
To begin, review the STEM activity in your BOS student guide and the corresponding video as you work through the activities. After each section, follow the directions in your BOS student guide to complete the project.
1. Background Information
Learn More
- Research
- Inquiry
The Beauty Of Business
Business owners gather as much information as they can about their products and their competitors’ products. The business owner compares the information and determines what will make their product more appealing and better quality than the competitors. There are various ways to gather information about the product. The most common way is a questionnaire. A questionnaire or survey may ask questions like: What do you like about the product, what is not liked about the product, how much do they cost, and who is buying the product. The responses to these questions will help with marketing the product, selling the product and building a brand. When you are marketing, selling and building your product and brand, you also want to think about what makes you different from your competitors. It could be your product features, a problem your product solves or it could be the design of the label. Think, does your product stand out or is it on the shelf hiding like some other products.
1. Background Information
Learn More
- Research
- Inquiry
Sample Implementation Models
Ideas for Expanding Beyond the Classroom
PSDS-Product Safety Data Sheets – Below
PSDS or MSDS (Manufacture Safety Data Sheet) documents contains information on the potential health effects of exposure to chemicals and on safe working procedures when handling the chemical products that are enclosed in your kit. Click the activity links below to access the PSDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is difference between STEM and STEAM Education?
STEM education is an approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and skills of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM Standards of Practice guide STEM instruction by defining the combination of behaviors, integrated with STEM content, which are expected of a proficient STEM student. These behaviors include engagement in inquiry, logical reasoning, collaboration, and investigation.
STEAM is a movement championed by Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
The objectives of the STEAM is to place Art + Design at the center of STEM
2. What is a STEM proficient student?
STEM proficient students are able to answer complex questions, investigate global issues, and develop solutions for challenges and real world problems while applying the rigor of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content in a seamless fashion. STEM proficient students are logical thinkers, effective communicators and are technologically, scientifically, and mathematically literate.
3. Which students should develop STEM proficiency?
STEM education is for all students. The State Department of Education Office of STEM Initiatives is focused on strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. STEM Standards of Practice and the associated framework documents are designed to increase the proficiency of all students in STEM and grow the number of students who are well prepared for post-secondary study and careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
4. How does STEM Education connect to content?
The foundation of STEM education is in content. The required content for STEM education is found in content standards. How teachers should deal with that content in the learning environment is found in the State STEM Standards of Practice.
5. What is a STEM centric unit or lesson?
A STEM centric unit or lesson incorporates the STEM Standards of Practice and reflects the definition of STEM education.
6. How can schools implement the STEM Standards of Practice?
Implementation of the STEM Standards of Practice could occur through projects/themes that span multiple disciplines or through appropriate content- based infusion.
7. Which teachers are responsible for implementing the STEM Standards of Practice?
The State STEM Standards of Practice cross all grade levels and disciplines. Instruction in STEM education is a shared responsibility within a school. Therefore, all classroom teachers, supporting teaching staff, and special area teachers (e.g.: special education, gifted and talented, enrichment programs, afterschool programs, summer programs) can use the State STEM Standards of Practice and Frameworks to engage students in STEM activities and tasks that develop STEM proficiency.
8. Where does STEM education fit in the school day?
STEM education complements the continuum of content instruction that would occur during a school day. STEM education does not disrupt, displace, or add on to curricular pacing. As a result, STEM education should be a seamless fit into content instruction.
9. There are no standardized tests for STEM. Why should schools focus on implementing STEM education when there is no accountability for it?
While there is not an official STEM standardize test, STEM aligns with concepts that are tested. Therefore, if your school is practicing exemplary STEM education then students will be exposed to skills and concepts that will be tested.