GSEM Gold Award Project Catalog

Lighting Up Minds: Light Pollution

Project Details: After learning how light pollution negatively affects bird migration, biodiversity, and even human health issues, among other impacts, Ella partnered with DarkSky Missouri to develop an educational brochure to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. The brochure covers what light pollution is, why it matters, and what we can do to minimize its effects. Once she completed her brochure, Ella hosted booths at local community events, where she gave tailored presentations, including fun activities and a prize wheel for the attending children. Ella then shared copies of her brochures to several organizations: Lights Out Heartland and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the Saint Louis Science Center. She also created a digital version of her brochure for the organizations to share online.

Gold Award Girl Scout: Ella M., Troop 2742

Issue: There is a lack of awareness surrounding light pollution. Root Cause: The main cause of light pollution is the lack of awareness of it, which leads to actions that needlessly contribute to it. Measurability: Ella used surveys to see if the community learned about light pollution and ways to minimize it. Sustainability: Ella’s flyer is on the Lights Out Heartland website, always making it accessible. The planetarium will continue using the flyer and brochure for their guests.