Ready, set, race! Join us at Food + Farm Exploration Center for a hands-on STEM badge workshop hosted in partnership with Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL).
In this exciting engineering challenge, Girl Scouts will discover how engineers use creativity and problem-solving to design machines that move. Scouts will build and test their own balloon-powered cars while exploring the science of forces, motion, friction, and energy—and see how these principles apply to modern agricultural equipment and farm machinery! Through fun design challenges and teamwork, girls will test, troubleshoot, and improve their vehicles to earn their Mechanical Engineering: Balloon Car Badge. No prior engineering experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment!
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Food + Farm Exploration Center is dedicated to cultivating curiosity and connecting young minds to the innovation, technology, and focus crops shaping the future of agriculture.
EVENT DETAILS
Cost: $25.00 per Girl Scout (Registration handled externally via Girl Scouts)
Audience: Girl Scouts in Grades 3–5 (Level: Juniors)
Registration Deadline: October 28th 2026, 05:00 PM CST
Supervision: Scouts must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or registered troop leader.
Includes: Guided engineering badge workshop, all activity materials, earned badge credit, and full exhibit admission for participating Girl Scouts. (Adult chaperones receive a special $7.00 discounted exhibit admission at the Front Desk).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hands-On STEM Engineering: Design, build, and test custom balloon-powered cars using real-world engineering design principles.
Ag Machinery Connections: Learn how concepts like friction, propulsion, and energy transfer are used by agricultural engineers to design modern farming equipment.
Earn Your Badge: Complete all required steps during the workshop to earn the official Mechanical Engineering: Balloon Car Badge.
Interactive Testing & Design Iteration: Race vehicles on test tracks, analyze results with teammates, and tweak designs for maximum speed and distance.
Exhibit Exploration: Workshop registration includes full access for participating scouts to explore the hands-on exhibit halls at Food + Farm Exploration Center!
GOOD TO KNOW
External Registration: Ticketing and registration for this program are managed directly through Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL). Click the registration button above to reserve your spot on their official portal.
Chaperone & Parent Admission: Scout registration includes full exhibit admission for the participating Girl Scout. Accompanying parents, guardians, and leaders can purchase discounted $7.00 chaperone exhibit admission at the Front Desk upon arrival.
Prerequisites & Snacks: No prerequisites are required to attend. Snacks are not provided during this 3-hour workshop, but participants are welcome to visit our on-site Colorful Plate Café before or after the event!
Questions? Contact Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes directly for ticketing inquiries.
Media Notice: By attending this event at Food + Farm Exploration Center, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. These materials may be used by the center for promotional purposes on our website, in email newsletters, and on social media. We appreciate your support in helping us share our educational mission!