From Mae Jemison, the first Black female astronaut to travel in space, to Dr. Selma Masri, a biological chemistry professor researching the link between circadian rhythms and cancer risk, women are being recognized more than ever in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math – fields.
Representation in STEM isn’t just important in the media and history books; it’s also essential for girls to see STEM representation in their day-to-day lives. Here are four tips to help the girls in your classroom grow their STEM curiosity, technical skills, and confidence.
Be the Example
Adrienne Emerson, Sphero education content manager and a 12-year veteran educator with more than two decades of experience in educational and competitive robotics, highlights the importance of STEM representation in the classroom for girls.
“When girls in middle and high school see women thriving in STEM, they see themselves in those roles. It’s not just about inspiring them; it’s about showing them that they belong, that their ideas matter, and that the future of innovation needs their voices,” said Emerson, the 2020 Texas Teacher of the Year.
She adds, “An example I used in my classes was related to seat belts. As a shorter woman, seat belts in cars always hit me in the ‘wrong’ places, and there aren’t many adjustments that can be made to fix this issue for someone like me. More thought can be put into these concerns ahead of time if more female voices are in the room when seat belts are designed.”
Educators can help female students envision themselves in STEM fields by sharing personal experiences of overcoming challenges in the field. Highlighting the accomplishments of women in STEM or inviting female guest speakers can also provide valuable inspiration and real-life role models.
Encourage Real-World Application of STEM Concepts
Hands-on projects and brainstorming solutions for real-world problems can help students see how STEM concepts apply to daily life. Educators can take it further by allowing students to choose investigations that incorporate their interests.
For example, students can collaborate to develop innovative STEM solutions for local environmental challenges or tackle practical issues they’ve noticed at school or home.
Create a Culture of Support
Research shows that girls are often graded more harshly than boys and tend to self-assess lower despite similar achievement levels. Fostering a culture of support, encouragement, and high expectations can make a difference in whether they feel confident pursuing a STEM career.
“To get more girls involved in middle and high school, we need to provide engaging, real-world STEM applications, foster a culture of curiosity and confidence, and create supportive spaces where they can take risks, fail, and innovate without fear,” Emerson said.
Get Parents on Board
Parents play a key role in shaping their daughters’ perceptions of STEM careers. Research shows that parents talk to their sons about spatial concepts more frequently than their daughters as early as preschool. Parents from high-income families are also more likely to reinforce the belief that boys are more likely to achieve STEM success.
Educators can support students by engaging parents in conversations about STEM opportunities and the importance of fostering curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in their daughters.
Helping Girls Succeed in STEM
Providing the right educational tools is crucial to building a strong foundation in STEM, especially for girls. Engaging, hands-on learning helps them explore, create, and develop confidence in these subjects.
Even if they don’t pursue a STEM career, the skills learned – problem-solving, interdisciplinary thinking, and curiosity – are valuable in any profession. By fostering a supportive environment, educators can empower the next generation of female innovators.
