Organization of America StatesRita Karl, Director of STEM Outreach

& EducationTwin Cities Public Television

On Air, Online & On the Ground

Changing how millions of girls think about science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM.

Why Girls and STEM?

•Girls and boys do not display a significant difference in their abilities in math and science.

•Differences exist between girls and boys in confidence and interest in STEM.

•Negative stereotypes about girls' and women's abilities in math and science persist.

•Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM at college and workforce level, especially in engineering, computer science, and physical sciences.

•STEM is an equity issue.

And our concern grows as we learn that the STEM careers in which women are not advancing are the ones in which demand is growing the most.

What Should We Do?

It is important to spark and strengthen girls’ engagement, interest, and confidence in STEM subjects in upper elementary and middle school. This is the point at which they make the critical choices in high school that will either open or close doors to postsecondary STEM studies and careers.

What does a girl imagine when she thinks of a scientist or engineer?•Negative stereotypes can affect a girls’ aspirations.•A growth mindset protects girls and women from the influence of negative stereotypes.•Role models can also help counter negative stereotypes.

Before Field Trip to the

Lab

After Field Trip to the

Lab

Strategies: The SciGirls Seven

1. Girls benefit from collaboration on projects, especially when they can participate equitably and communicate fairly.

2. Girls are motivated by projects that they find personally relevant and meaningful.

3. Girls enjoy open-ended activities, projects, and investigations.

4. Girls are motivated when they can approach projects in their own way, applying their creativity, unique talents and preferred learning styles.

5. Girls’ confidence and performance improves in response to specific, positive feedback on things they can control – such as effort, strategies and behaviors.

6. Girls appreciate opportunities to think critically about science.

7. Girls benefit from relationships with role models and mentors.

Rita KarlDirector of STEM EducationTwin Cities Public Television

rkarl@tpt.org

Online atpbskids.org/scigirls

andscigirlsconnect.org

SciGirls en españolresources at

scigirlsconnect.org