From building robotic submarines to designing communication devices, engineering career possibilities were seemingly endless at a science workshop for Girl Scouts, hosted by a student group March 10.

The Cornell University Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (CUAUV) team, a student-run club, invited three local scout troops to its first-ever outreach event, Science in Action.

"We wanted to reach out to the community and teach girls about engineering opportunities," said Jackie Klein, graduate student in the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs and public relations team leader for CUAUV. The club hopes to hold more such events in the future.

By the end of the day, the troops had completed five projects set up in Phillips Hall: Building Bridges, Science in Manufacturing, Got to Communicate, Emergency Science and Engineering 101.

By completing the projects, the girls earned a Science in Action merit badge, while discovering how engineers apply science to solve ordinary and extraordinary problems.

"We're trying to get a well-rounded experience," said Kittie Hollander, co-troop leader for Troop 127. "We want the girls to know what's available to them."

At the communication project, the Girl Scouts learned about the origins of the Internet and cellular phones. They then broke into pairs and constructed their own phones out of cups and string.

The girls then moved on to bridge building, working together on an online activity to construct appropriate bridges around a small city. The activity was hosted by Kate Hartmann, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences and organizer of the day's activities.

"It's great to see the girls get so excited," Hartmann said.

Next was a tour of the CUAUV lab, where the team designs and constructs robotic submarines. Amid shelves and tables scattered with circuit boards, computers, solder and wires, the scouts learned about the need for unmanned vehicles and how engineers go from the drawing board to working robot.

"I liked how they can build things that go under water," said Mariah Crawford, 10.

After the engineering lab, CUAUV volunteers set the scouts on an online scavenger hunt, Engineering 101, to learn more about what it means to be an engineer.

At the final activity, Emergency Science, the Girl Scouts spoke to a volunteer firefighter. He demonstrated the clothing and equipment that firefighters use to protect themselves, and discussed how technology is used to save lives.

After completing all five projects, the Girl Scouts finished their day with a presentation from Sheila Hemami, professor of electrical engineering at Cornell. She used a cell phone as an example of all three branches of electrical engineering working together.

"We definitely anticipate doing this again next year," Hartmann said. "It's a great opportunity to get out in the community."

Graduate student Ryan Anderson is a writer intern for the Cornell Chronicle.