Closing the Gender Gap in STEM
PRODUCT/EVENT
Overview ---------------------------------------------------------
The massive gender-imbalance that persists in STEM-related fields today will prove to be detrimental if it is not addressed and solved. To fight false gender stereotypes, steps need to be taken to encourage young girls within STEM and close the gender gap. Through my product, a STEM Girls Workshop, I aim to bring young girls together with STEM as their focus, so that they will hopefully develop a positive mindset towards STEM and see STEM professions as possible and rewarding careers.
The STEM Girls Workshop is an interactive workshop geared towards 2nd-4th grade girls. The workshop begins with an entrance ticket, which serves to show what the girls know about STEM beforehand. Then, the workshop introduces STEM, explaining what it stands for and the definitions of science, technology, engineering, and math. Furthermore, the workshop presents unique career possibilities in each of the STEM categories. By providing an overview of a few professions within the STEM field and explaining their positive impact, young girls will observe that STEM careers are exciting and attainable. The workshop then engages the young girls in two activities related to STEM. The first activity is a simple, hands-on science project: making a water strider. Combined with fun worksheets, basic materials, and easy steps, this project gives a nice insight into STEM. Afterward, the young girls are shown a video highlighting the positive difference a career in STEM can make, focusing on solutions to a variety of issues affecting the world today. This introduces the second activity: the You & STEM Poster. The girls will share their ideas on one collective poster about how they will help save the world through STEM. Concluding with the second activity, the exit ticket should be completed by the girls, providing quick feedback for the workshop and demonstrating what they learned about STEM through the experience.
You may find the product outline, STEM Girls Workshop presentation/video, and supporting materials below.
The STEM Girls Workshop is an interactive workshop geared towards 2nd-4th grade girls. The workshop begins with an entrance ticket, which serves to show what the girls know about STEM beforehand. Then, the workshop introduces STEM, explaining what it stands for and the definitions of science, technology, engineering, and math. Furthermore, the workshop presents unique career possibilities in each of the STEM categories. By providing an overview of a few professions within the STEM field and explaining their positive impact, young girls will observe that STEM careers are exciting and attainable. The workshop then engages the young girls in two activities related to STEM. The first activity is a simple, hands-on science project: making a water strider. Combined with fun worksheets, basic materials, and easy steps, this project gives a nice insight into STEM. Afterward, the young girls are shown a video highlighting the positive difference a career in STEM can make, focusing on solutions to a variety of issues affecting the world today. This introduces the second activity: the You & STEM Poster. The girls will share their ideas on one collective poster about how they will help save the world through STEM. Concluding with the second activity, the exit ticket should be completed by the girls, providing quick feedback for the workshop and demonstrating what they learned about STEM through the experience.
You may find the product outline, STEM Girls Workshop presentation/video, and supporting materials below.
PRODUCT OUTLINE
STEM Girls Workshop
Please click below to download my product outline.
Workshop Presentation/Video
- Here is a link to the STEM Girls Workshop presentation.
- Moreover, the STEM Girls Workshop presentation is also available to view with a voice-over. Here is a link to the STEM Girls Workshop video.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
STEM Girls Workshop
Below you may find the worksheets that accompany the workshop.
Water Strider Activity: WorksheetsPlease click below to download the worksheets for the water strider activity.
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Workshop Entrance/Exit TicketsPlease click below to download the workshop entrance and exit tickets.
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