Ask your child to describe a scientist. Chances are, they might think of Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison or Marie Curie. In reality, science is for everybody – and it’s important to teach children early that we can all be scientists. Diversity in science encourages diverse ideas, research and innovation, and makes the world a better place for all.
What can we do to shatter stereotypes and encourage all children to dream of a future in science?
In honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Scientists in School, a leading science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) charity, is sharing ways parents and educators can encourage STEM confidence in girls early:
Introduce children to women in STEM
Astronaut Sally Ride once said, “You can't be what you can't see.” It’s important to show all children that women scientists exist. If a child sees a scientist that looks like them, their mom, sister or friend, it will broaden their idea of what a scientist is.
Here are a few resources to get started:
- Read Scientists in School’s latest blog post: “10 Women in STEM You Should Know”
- Watch: “Spotlight with Scientists in School,” a bi-weekly show dedicated to highlighting scientists and their work. Several guests are women in STEM, including Dr. Maya Warren, Vinita Marwaha Madill and Farah Qaiser.
- Watch: “4 Reasons to Celebrate Women in STEM”
- Watch: “Discover Your STEM Career,” a fun and engaging series that follows scientists with outside of the box jobs in STEM! Meet a food scientist, planetary scientist and bird biologist.
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Nurture girls’ interest in STEM early
Know a young girl who loves to explore and discover new things? Does she enjoy thinking outside of the box and solving problems? Do you have budding scientists in your classroom?
Nurture their interests in STEM through hands-on learning experiences. When girls have opportunities to explore using real science materials and equipment, science concepts come to life – and they become scientists!
Scientists in School offers a variety of free educational resources on their website to encourage STEM exploration at home using simple, every day materials. They also offer a suite of virtual STEM experiences, like March Break STEM Club, birthday parties and classroom workshops, that young scientists can participate in from their homes or classroom. Make your young scientist’s day by gifting them a virtual STEM experience with Scientists in School – and start a lifetime of exploration and discovery!
Meet a STEM role model: Tune in to Spotlight with Scientists in School on Facebook TODAY at 12:45 p.m. EST to meet Maryam Tsegaye, 17-year-old winner of the 2020 Breakthrough Junior Challenge!
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