How do we get female students interested in STEM?

I know from experience that I was not always interested in science at all! That changed once I participated in an intense 10-week summer bridge program, the summer before my freshmen year in college.  The program consisted of a math and science college course.   If it had not been for this program, I probably would have majored in something like liberal arts.  This brings up one way to spark young female interest in science, through programs.  Afterschool programs, or summer programs focused on science can increase girls’ interest by exposing them to the subject matter and allowing them to have a more hands on approach.  Additionally, some girls may perform better in an environment that is entirely girls.  They may express themselves more freely.

Girls should also be exposed to female scientists who are in fields such as physics and engineering.  Giving girls the opportunity to learn about or interact with female scientists, allows them to realize that they too can be scientists, and it’s not just a male field.  As I recall, I didn’t see a female chemistry science professor until my senior year in college. 

Another method to use in order to increase girls’ interest in science is to inform and show them that abilities can be improved.  This practice works for both boys and girls.  Many times you hear students say, “I just can’t do math”.  As educators, we should inform our students that not everything will be easy, but with hard work and determination they can learn and grasp a concept. 

As educators, we should find a way to excite them and draw them in to the subjects that we teach.  This can be done by using a variety of activities and making the information relevant.  I saw this first hand while observing my mentor teacher.  She introduced density to a class full of girls by demonstrating density layers (substance of different colors are poured into a graduated cylinder, but do not mix).  After seeing this, hands went up to ask why this happened, and they wanted to try for themselves.

In addition, to increase the interest of young girls in science, we should teach spatial skills.  Spatial skills are the ability to see objects in three-dimension and to manipulate an object’s arrangement mentally. STEM relies on spatial skills.  For example, spatial skills are needed when thinking about an electron’s energy level and sublevel.

Boss, S. (2010, December 09). Got game:how to keep girls interested in computer csience. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/computer-science-education-girls-increase-interest-suzie-

Encouraging girls in math and science. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://dww.ed.gov/Encouraging-Girls/topic/index.cfm?T_ID=18

McCrea, B. (2010, September 08). Encouraging girls in math and science. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/09/08/Engaging-Girls-in-STEM.aspx?Page=1


http://www.miller-mccune.com/education/making-science-girl-friendly-pays-gender-dividends-33777/