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Brownies (Grades 2-3) at Home

Girl Scout Brownies is the second level in Girl Scouts and is open to girls in grades 2-3.

Girl Scouts in the Brownie program are ready to take on the world, and Girl Scouts lets them do just that! They want to learn new things and show off what they know. They want to explore the world and make it a better place!

The activities below have been adapted from existing Girl Scout programming and optimized for use at home during a period of social distancing.

Not a Girl Scout? Not a problem! We're making select Girl Scout program resources available to every girl, parent, and caregiver. It's our way of doing our part during these challenging times, and to do what Girl Scouts always do: make the world a better place. And of course, if you'd like to learn more about joining Girl Scouts, we're here for you!

STEM Activities

Brownie Coding Basics

Create an algorithm to color in a paper patchwork quilt. 

Adapted from step one of the Brownie Coding Basics badge.

Learn: Computers may seem really smart because they can do lots of things for us. But computers can only do things they’re told to do using a special language called code.

For example, a computer scientist can create a list of steps for a robot. The robot follows the steps to do anything from moving through a maze to doing surgery. A list of steps to complete a task is called an algorithm.

Once you know what an algorithm is, you can then write or follow one to complete any type of task!

Time needed: 20 minutes

Materials needed:

  • 3+ markers of different colors
  • 1 pencil
  • A few sheets of blank paper

Activity:

To get started, create a 5x5 grid on a blank sheet of paper. Your grid can be as large as the paper, and it’s okay if the boxes are rectangular.

After that, design your quilt pattern by coloring in the blank grid with the different colored markers.

Once you’ve created the pattern, write an algorithm to tell someone else how to create your quilt!

Make sure to use a new numbered line for each row on your quilt. On each line, write the colors for each patch in the order, or sequence, you colored them, from left to right. 

For example: Line 4: Blue, Green, Purple, Green, Blue

After you write your algorithm, test it by following the steps to color in a new grid. Make another blank 5x5 grid and color it in according to your algorithm.

How did you do? Does the new quilt match your original design? If not, that’s okay! This often happens to computer scientists!

In computer science, a problem or error in your code is called a bug. When you find and fix a bug, it's called debugging. When programmers find a bug, they go back to their algorithm, find the problem, and fix it.

If you get stuck or your algorithm doesn't work, you can always work with others to talk it out, identify the bug, and sketch a new plan to find a solution that works. 

Remember, it's okay if your algorithm doesn't go the way you want it to on the first, second, or even third try! Computer scientists persevere and continue to try and solve the problem even when they're faced with big challenges. When you persevere, you don't give up. Instead, you do your best and work towards a goal, even if it's a big challenge.

Brownie Cybersecurity Basics

Brownie Cybersecurity Basics Badge: Tech Scavenger Hunt

Explore how technology fits into your daily life as you participate in a scavenger hunt to discover how technology replaces everyday objects.

Adapted from Step two of the Brownie Cybersecurity Basics badge.

Setup: We use digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones to work, shop, and play. Technology is such a big part of our lives that we don’t usually stop to think about it.

Time needed: 15 minutes

Materials needed:
Print and cut the Tech Scavenger Hunt Scenarios into strips.

Activity:
First, think about what’s in your backpack. Do you carry a lot of stuff? Maybe you have some books, some colored pencils, or a calculator? When you’re at school, why do you think it’s important to keep your belongings safe? How do you do it?

Then, go around your house and find objects for each of the Tech Scavenger Hunt Scenarios. Try to find an object for each of the scenarios, listed on the strips and below:

  • This is how I see in the dark.
  • This is how I add up numbers.
  • This is where I keep my pictures.
  • This is where I write my thoughts and feelings.
  • This is where I take notes for school.
  • This is how I track where everyone lives.
  • This is how I know what I’m doing every day.
  • This is what I listen to.
  • This is what I watch.


What did you find? Were you able to find something that helps you with each task?

If you’re stumped on a scenario, see if you can find the object listed for each task below:

  • This is how I see in the dark: flashlight
  • This is how I add up numbers: calculator
  • This is where I keep my pictures: photo album
  • This is where I write my thoughts and feelings: diary or journal
  • This is where I take notes for school: notebook
  • This is how I track where everyone lives: address book
  • This is how I know what I’m doing every day: calendar
  • This is what I listen to: CD
  • This is what I watch: TV


Then, look at the objects and imagine if everything you just found lived on a device, like a tablet or smartphone. You might be surprised to know that they already do!

Have you ever seen your mom or dad use a phone to get directions? Or have you ever watched a movie on a tablet? In the past, you would have to carry a map with you, and at one point, you could only watch movies at home or in a movie theater. Now, it’s all there in one device!

What else can you think of that’s on a device?

It's amazing how a computer, smartphone, or tablet can carry all this important information and do important tasks for you! Since computers help us with important things, it’s also important to keep them safe. What are some ways you can do that? Check out the rest of the cybersecurity activities and find out!

Brownie Home Scientist Badge: Kitchen Chemistry / Insignia Brownie Científico de Casa: Quimica de Cocina (Bilingual English-Spanish)

Science is responsible for making lots of different foods! Try making a delicious sorbet and learn about kitchen chemistry.

¡La ciencia es responsable de hacer muchos alimentos diferentes! Intenta hacer un sorbete delicioso y aprende sobre la química de la cocina.
 

Brownie Space Science Explorer

Brownie Space Science Adventurer Badge: Make a Moon Art Project

Explore the moon’s features  then create a fun art project with different materials to show the moon’s unique surface. 

Adapted from step three of the Brownie Space Science Adventurer badge. 

Time needed: 40 minutes

Materials needed:

  • Gray paint
  • White paint
  • White paper
  • Black paper
  • Paint brush
  • Glue
  • Optional small objects that can add texture to your project


Setup: You’ve probably looked at the moon at night lots of times, but have you seen it during the day? It doesn’t look as bright against a bright blue sky, but you can often see it in the daytime! We can see the moon in the sky for about 12 hours of our 24-hour day, and some of those are in the daytime.

Please download and review the moon resource sheet with an adult to learn some facts about the Moon before you begin the activity.  

Activity: To get started, gather gray and white paint, white and black paper, paintbrush, glue, and optional small objects that can add texture to your project.

If you have a place just outside your house (front porch/backyard) or apartment building (outside steps/garden area) to see the Moon, make a plan to go outside with an adult at two different times of the day—one day and one night—and observe the Moon. They can be on the same day or a different day. Use the white paper for the daytime sky and the black paper for the nighttime sky.

After seeing the Moon, remember what it looked like in the day and night. Can you also think about other materials around the house that you can use to add texture to your art project? With an adult’s permission, select objects that would bring life into your project. These could include uncooked pasta, loose buttons, beads, coins, beverage caps, rice, candy, etc. You can also paint the Moon onto the paper using a brush or your fingers! Think about what the Moon looked like during the day and night, and be as creative as you can in how you “dress up” your Moon in the day and night.

Now, go create with what you have!

Brownie Think Like a Citizen Scientist

Discover how scientists solve problems using the scientific method.

Note: Participation in the activity presented in this video can count toward earning your Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey if you're a registered Girl Scout.

Fling Flyer Design Challenge

Work like an engineer to create a Fling Flyer, an airplane you'll make, and explore what keeps it and other things, such as birds, planes, and space ships, in the air.
Note: Participation in the activity presented in this video can count toward earning one of three Brownie Mechanical Engineering badges if you're a registered Girl Scout.

Salt & Pepper Dance

Science is everywhere! Discover where science has been hiding in your home as you learn about static electricity.
Note: Participation in the activity presented in this video can count toward earning the Brownie Home Scientist badge if you're a registered Girl Scout.

Outdoor Activities

Brownie Eco Friend

Brownie Eco Friend Badge: Observe Outdoor Spaces

Adapted from step two and step five of the Brownie Eco Friend badge. 

Time Needed: 15-30 minutes

Materials Needed:

  • Access to an outdoor space
  • Magnifying glass

Activity:

If you look closely at objects in nature, you can see how different living things create homes for themselves. Find some outdoor objects (like rocks and branches) and gently turn them over. Then use a magnifying glass to see if anything lives underneath. Remember that plants are living things, too! When you’ve finished looking, carefully turn the objects back over. Talk about what you saw with your friends or family. Did anything surprise you?

Help improve an outdoor space. Do you know an outdoor space that could use a little love? Come up with some ideas for ways to leave an outdoor area better, then talk to an adult about how you could put your plan into action.

Brownie Outdoor Art Creator: Make Nature Inspired Art / Insignia Brownie Creador de Arte al Aire Libre: Haz Arte Inspirado por la Naturaleza (Bilingual English-Spanish)

Art is everywhere you look! Take a walk outside and get inspired by nature to help you create your own art piece using leaves.

¡El arte está en todas partes! Salgan a caminar e inspírense en la naturaleza para ayudarlos a crear su propia obra de arte con hojas.
 

Brownie Outdoor Art Maker

Brownie Outdoor Art Creator Badge: Make a Leaf Rubbing

Adapted from step two of the Brownie Outdoor Art Creator badge.

Time needed: 10-20 minutes

Materials needed:

  • Plant leaves
  • Sheet of paper
  • Crayon or chalk

OR

  • Clay
  • Trees with bark

Activity: Place paper over a leaf and rub it with a crayon or chalk. Try it with soft and hard leaves to see if there’s a difference. Or make a bark cast from a tree. Press clay on a tree trunk, and then remove it gently to make sure you can see the mark from the bark. Be careful not to hurt the bark or leave any clay on it. Do the same thing on several tree trunks to see the different designs in the impressions.

Entrepreneurship Activities

Brownie Inventor

Brownie Inventor Badge: Warm Up Your Inventor’s Mind

Girls learn to think like an inventor.

Adapted from step one of the Brownie Inventor badge.

Time needed: 30-60 minutes

Materials needed:

  • Cardboard box
  • Scissors
  • Markers or crayons
  • Tape
  • Assorted craft materials

Purpose: Girls learn to think like an inventor.

Setup: Inventors warm up their minds so they can be creative! One way to do that is to find different ways to use things. If you’ve ever found a new way to use a tool or toy, you’re already an inventor! This activity will help you explore being an inventor.

Activity: Find an empty cardboard box. Make up five new uses for your box. You could use it to store your toys, build a playhouse, make a hat, or create a bed for your pet. Don’t be afraid to think of something wacky and unusual. Sometimes the crazy ideas are the best ones!

Brownie Philanthropist

Brownie Philanthropist Badge: Learn What Every Person Needs

Girl Scouts make the world a better place. One way to do that is to make sure everyone has what they need. In this activity you will spend time iguring out the difference between things you may want and things you may need.

Adapted from step one of the Brownie Philanthropist badge.

Time needed: 45-60 minutes

Materials needed:

  • Paper
  • Pencil or pen

Purpose: Learn the difference between wants and needs

Setup: Girl Scouts make the world a better place. One way to do that is to make sure everyone has what they need. In this activity you will spend time figuring out the difference between things you may want and things you may need.

Activity: Create a list of the things you use every day from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. Then divide your list into two sides: “Things I Need” and “Things I Want.” Then ask your family to help you answer this question: what are things every person on the planet needs? Do you have things in your house that were once needs or wants that you no longer need or want? Would someone else think of them as needs? What could you do with those things?

Life Skills Activities

Caring for Pets

Price is Right Game: Caring for Pets Edition - Adopting or rescuing a pet is a huge responsibility—emotionally, physically... and financially. Do you know the cost of pet care essentials? Test your knowldege by playing the Price is Right!
Note: Participation in the activity presented in this video can count toward earning the Brownie Pets badge if you're a registered Girl Scout.

Make Toys for Pets / Hacer Juguetes para Mascotas (Bilingual English-Spanish)

Pets need lots of attention, like time to play and have fun. Learn how to make a toy for your pet and have fun playing with it.

Las mascotas necesitan mucha atención, como tiempo para jugar y divertirse. Aprende a hacer un juguete para tu mascota y diviértete jugando con él.

My Family Story Brownie Badge: Family Tree Activity / Insignia Brownie La Historia de mi Familia: Árbol de mi Familia (Bilingual English-Spanish)

Every family has stories. It’s good to share them so you know who helped make you who you are. Create a family tree and learn more about your family stories.

Toda familia tiene historias. Es bueno compartir las historias para que sepas quién ayudó a hacerte quién eres. Crea un árbol de tu familia y aprende más sobre tus historias familiares.
 

Service Project Opportunities

DIY Mask-Making

Take action to keep your community safe and healthy by making face masks and donating them to organizations in need. Get instructions on how to make DIY homemade masks and a list of organizations requesting mask donations here.

Now, with this nationwide mask-making campaign, all girls have the chance to step up to help their friends, neighbors, and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. And we’ve partnered with Feeding America, a network of local food banks across the U.S., to make it easy for your girls to amplify their efforts.

Registered Girl Scouts can earn the Building Better Communities patch.

Letter-Writing

Letter-Writing Service Project

The idea is simple: girls write letters to people in nursing homes, senior residences, and assisted living facilities, including the dedicated staff and caregivers. This long-distance hug is a way to share your good thoughts with these vulnerable and loved community members.

Get started with these helpful resources:

Share your story of letter writing with the greater Girl Scouts Movement by posting on social media with #GirlScoutsGiveBack. Don't forget to tag @girlscoutsla (Instagram) and @GSGLA (Facebook) as well as @girlscouts on both platforms.

More Ideas

More ideas:

Giving back to the community is a longstanding Girl Scout tradition, and in current times of crisis that is no different. Here are some great ways to give back while practicing social distancing.

 

  • Build and/or stock some Little Free Pantries
  • Take a trash clean up hike with your family
  • Use sidewalk chalk to spread messages of kindness and hope
  • Go plogging (jogging while picking up trash)
  • Clean out your closet and donate unwanted items
  • Make upcycled pet toys for an animal shelter
  • Make a bee hotel
  • Create care packages for the homeless
  • Create and donate craft kits to a children's hospital
  • Build a Little Free Library
  • Do yardwork for a neighbor in need
  • Plant a tree

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    Just for Fun Boredom Busters!

    Brownie Still Life Painting

    Brownie Painting - Paint a still life.
    Adapted from step two of the Brownie Painting badge.

    Time needed: 30–45 minutes

    Materials needed:

    • A still life object
    • Watercolor or tempera paint
    • Paper
    • Paint brushes
    • Small container of water to rinse brushes in between colors

    Activity:

    Paint a still life. A still life is an object, like a bowl of fruit or a vase. Set up a still life you want to paint a picture of first. Set it on a table or counter where light hits it. 

    Set up your artist area. Near your object, choose a surface where you will work. Protect it with a drop cloth, garbage bag spread out, or towel. Set up your paints, brushes, paper and a container of water to rinse out your brushes in between colors.

    You’re ready to paint. Look at your object and decide how you will begin to paint it. Some artists sketch out the shape or outline with a pencil first. Notice how the object and its colors look different where the light hits it. Don’t forget to show how the light hits the object by using light and dark colors!

    When you have finished painting your still life, sign it at the bottom and set your painting in a safe place to dry. Rinse out your brushes so they can be used again, and empty and wash the container of water.

    Will you title your painting? How would your painting look different if your still life was not in the light? Share your painting with your family when it dries!

    For More FUN: After you’ve painted something in your world, paint something “out of this world,” like the sun or planets.

    DreamWorks Trolls World Tour Activity Kit

    Download and print the Trolls World Tour activity kit. You’ll find event DIY decorations, recipes, and games in this interactive family pack. Roll out your own red carpet party at home as you watch Trolls World Tour.

    Smoothie Taste Buds

    Smoothie Taste Buds - Get creative in the kitchen! Channel your inner home chef and learn how to make the perfect cool-down sweet treat to enjoy this summer.
    Note: Participation in the activity presented in this video can count toward earning the Brownie Snacks badge if you're a registered Girl Scout.

    Virtual Brownie Book Club

    Virtual Brownie Book Club, Fridays 2:00-2:30 pm, ongoing through Aug. 28 
    Calling all Brownies! Discover great books, share new stories, and have bookish fun. Connect with your Girl Scout sisters in a fun virtual environment, and participate in book-themed activities and discussions. Reading patch available for girls who participate in all sessions. Register.

     

     

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