Girl Scouts Put STEAM In Motion with New Mobile Learning Experience
Alliant Energy Foundation grant helps Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland bring hands-on science, engineering and innovation opportunities to girls across 23 counties.
August 20, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MADISON, JANESVILLE, and LA CROSSE, Wis. — Science, engineering and creativity are hitting the road for Girl Scouts across south-central and southwest Wisconsin.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland has launched the STEAM Machine, a new mobile programming vehicle that brings hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math experiences directly to Girl Scouts throughout the council’s 23-county service area.
Designed primarily for current and prospective Girl Scout members, the STEAM Machine will help Badgerland bring engaging educational experiences to camps, troop and council programs, Girl Scouts in Action, Badgerland’s community-based after-school program, recruitment events and communities throughout the region.
The initiative received partial funding through a $15,000 Impact Grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation.
“The STEAM Machine brings learning to life in a way that is uniquely Girl Scouts,” said Lisa Smith, CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland. “Girls aren’t just learning about renewable energy, engineering or new technology — they’re building, testing, experimenting and discovering what they can do. That kind of hands-on experience sparks curiosity, builds confidence and gives girls the freedom to imagine themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of the future.”
The STEAM Machine made its debut this summer at Day Camp at Camp Brandenburg, where it visited campers weekly with activities focused on renewable energy, physics, engineering and design.
Girl Scouts explored the forces of lift and drag by making pinwheels and using a model wind turbine to power a small electric car. When there was not enough natural wind, campers generated their own by running with the turbine and experimenting with blade angles to see which designs worked best.
They also explored hydroelectric power using a waterwheel, adjusting water volume and velocity to determine the flow rate needed to generate energy. Another activity introduced the science of sublimation, a heat-transfer process Girl Scouts used to create custom-designed patches.
“Girls need the opportunity to explore STEM, design and innovation in a supportive space,” said Katie Pavlik, education specialist for Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland. “The STEAM Machine is a dynamic resource that helps Badgerland support Girl Scouts on their journey to discover their own curiosity and develop confidence in their creative abilities.”
The mobile model expands Badgerland’s ability to offer STEAM programming beyond its Leadership Centers in Madison, Janesville and the La Crosse area, and larger council events. The vehicle can travel throughout the council’s service area for camps, Girl Scout programming, community engagement and recruitment opportunities, helping make hands-on experiences more accessible to girls in rural and under-resourced communities.
Support from the Alliant Energy Foundation is part of Badgerland’s broader effort to expand STEM opportunities for Girl Scouts. The council’s 2025-26 STEM initiatives include robotics education, Madison’s Innovation Lab enhancements, STEMinists events in Madison and La Crosse, and programming centered on design thinking, problem-solving and innovation.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Alliant Energy Foundation for believing in this vision and for its growing partnership with Girl Scouts of Wisconsin–Badgerland,” Smith said. “Support like this helps us continue creating high-quality STEAM experiences that challenge girls to think creatively, try new things and see new possibilities for themselves.”
The STEAM Machine will next be featured at Badgerland’s STEMinists event in November, hosted at Madison College. The Girl Scout event will offer hands-on STEM activities, emerging technologies and real-world problem-solving.
In April, Girl Scouts in the Madison and La Crosse areas will have an opportunity to explore the STEAM Machine through Discover and Design with the STEAM Machine, with activities focused on sustainable energy, engineering and design. Participants will experiment with sustainable energy, test their engineering skills by building a prototype and use sublimation to create a custom patch.
Additional STEAM Machine appearances and activities will be announced throughout the year, with programming continuing to focus on design thinking, prototyping, innovation and hands-on discovery.
The activities are designed for Girl Scouts across grade levels, whether they are discovering a new interest or building on skills they already have.
As the STEAM Machine travels throughout Badgerland, it will give more Girl Scouts opportunities to experiment, create and solve problems while building the curiosity, confidence and skills that can shape their futures.
About Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland serves 23 counties through south-central and southwestern Wisconsin. Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit: www.gsbadgerland.org.
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Media Contact
Jon Calvert
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council
608.237.1145 | calvertj@gsbadgerland.org
