Last fall, the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park was closed for some much needed repair work on their heating and cooling system. Fans of this one-of-a-kind education center will be happy to know that this popular destination will not only re-open its doors later this month, the first event slated for 2020 will be the popular STEM. Like a Girl event, slated for Saturday, March 28th.

STEM. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and the STEM. program at The Discovery Center aims to help students (both boys AND girls) understand those disciplines better by applying them to real world lessons.

STEM. Like a Girl is open to students of all ages and will be packed with hands-on experiments and activities for attendees to experience the four applications of STEM while exploring concepts and work pioneered by women. Because March is Women’s History Month and Governor Hogan has pronounced 2020 as the “Year of the Woman”, this event goes hand in hand with both of those themes.

All activities featured will be interactive and highlight different aspects of STEM applications in real life. From the construction of necklaces made from Binary Code to decorating Cosmic Cookies, there will be plenty of experiments from which to learn.

“This is definitely a chance to get your hands dirty,” says Park Naturalist Samantha Dixon, and coordinator of the event. “In addition to the fun activities, we also have our “Wonder Wall” which highlights women throughout history that made notable contributions to STEM, as well as local women who have STEM related jobs that will speak to our guests about their experiences in their fields.”

This is the third year for the event, and it has always been well attended. In fact, the event has proven so popular at this state park, Maryland State Department of Natural Resources personnel are looking to make it a state-wide event.

The STEM Like a Girl event will be held from 1 to 3 PM in the Science Room in the lower level of the Discovery Center, although weather permitting, some activities may be located outside. Come early and explore some of the interactive exhibits at Maryland Park Services only interpretive environment central. Be sure to visit the birds of prey at the Aviary or even take a walk along the shores of Deep Creek Lake.

The Discovery Center will resume normal winter hours after this event, Friday – Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM until Memorial Day, when the Center will be open daily. For more information and a complete list of events, visit their website at discoverycenterdcl.com.