A group of Cape Town schoolgirls wowed scientists yesterday as they explained how they measured the temperature of the atmosphere 5km above the ground. Using miniature satellites, helium balloons and antennae, the 14 girls from different schools took part in a seven-day boot camp hosted by the Meta Economic Development Organisation in Worcester last week.The programme is aimed at inspiring young women to consider science, technology and engineering and maths - so-called STEM disciplines - as career choices.Medo launched its "space programme" in partnership with Morehead University in Kentucky, US, last June.The university is recognised for its research and development into nanosatellite technology."Medo bought the first privately owned satellite in Africa with the goal of having female high school learners design its payload," said the development organisation's CEO, Judi Sandrock."By 2020 80% of all future jobs will be STEM-related, with almost double the pay of other careers. So what we are trying to do is to give these young women the best chance out there."Brittany Bull, 16, from Pelican Park High School, spoke highly of the course."The community I am from in Mitchells Plain is narrow-minded about the careers I should follow."This programme has empowered me. I want to either make satellites or study chemical engineering," she said.Sesam Mngqengqiswa, 16, from Philippi High School, said she was proud of her achievement."We built an electronic device, calibrated it and launched it into the atmosphere and then we took the temperature with our CricketSat, a small satellite that records temperature readings."It has a radio connected to it that sends out readings to an antenna, which is connected to a laptop."Sandrock said 120 schoolgirls had been taught basic electromechanics by building a mini robot from scratch.Cape Town councillor Xanthea Limberg said the city council supported the initiative...