Encourage Her To Love Science
Encourage Her To Love Science
Posted: 12/28/2009
By Leanna Landsmann
A-PLUS ADVICE FOR PARENTS
Q: Two girls in my daughter's middle school were invited to a "Women in Science" institute at an Ivy League university last summer. I asked why my daughter wasn't considered. The science teacher said participants were selected for their high grades, potential to excel in "STEM" subjects and low socio-economic status. How can I give my daughter the same opportunity?
A: A curious thing happens to some American girls on their way to high school. They like science and math in the elementary grades but drift away during middle-school years. Many see STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) as geeky. To keep girls engaged, universities, colleges and research institutes offer them special opportunities, ranging from weekend workshops on STEM careers, to summer-long internships working with research scientists, says Linda Froschauer, science educator and past president, National Science Teachers of America.
Some cover broad topics; others focus on specific areas. A few are residential on college campuses; others are day programs, so geographic proximity is important. Many have age, grade and test score requirements. Some seek recommendations concerning the candidate's character and potential for academic success, notes Froschauer, who has written references for many of her students. Some are free, such as the Girls Science Investigations Days at Yale University. Others charge tuition. Many give scholarships based on need.
To start your search, ask your daughter's science teacher for local recommendations. Then search using "summer classes for girls interested in STEM subjects," along with your location, to see what else pops up. If a co-ed option appeals, search for "science and math summer enrichment." See what's in your own back yard.
For example, Texas A&M offers "Expanding Your Horizons: A Career Conference for 6th Grade Girls." The University of Maryland offers Summer Physics Program for Girls, a two-week program for girls entering ninth grade or 11th grade. Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth runs co-ed programs on campuses all over the country, www.cty.jhu.edu. The University of Virginia offers a Summer Enrichment Program through the Curry School of Education. www.curry.edschool.virginia.edu. Sally Ride Science (www.sallyridescience.com) and NASA (nasa.gov) offer science programs for girls. Check out the National Girls Collaborative Project, www.psctlt.org/ngcp.
Froschauer suggests checking with area science museums and technology centers for summer and weekend programs. Check your local Girl Scouts or 4H groups as many promote STEM education activities. Look into local Expanding Your Horizons www.expandingyourhorizons.org and The American Association of University Women www.aauw.org for regional conferences and events targeted to girls.
The most competitive programs tend to fill up fast. "Now is the time to work on these applications," says Deborah Leach-Scampavia, who oversees the High School Student Summer Internship Program, part of the Scripps Florida Education and Outreach Program to promote bioscience education. While not limited to girls, the program is committed to increasing the number of students underrepresented in the sciences.
Whatever STEM path you put your daughter on is a step in the right direction. "It's important to keep girls' interest high so that they have a strong foundation for high school and college courses that lead to opportunities in STEM careers," says Froschauer.
A-PLUS ADVICE FOR PARENTS
Q: Two girls in my daughter's middle school were invited to a "Women in Science" institute at an Ivy League university last summer. I asked why my daughter wasn't considered. The science teacher said participants were selected for their high grades, potential to excel in "STEM" subjects and low socio-economic status. How can I give my daughter the same opportunity?
A: A curious thing happens to some American girls on their way to high school. They like science and math in the elementary grades but drift away during middle-school years. Many see STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) as geeky. To keep girls engaged, universities, colleges and research institutes offer them special opportunities, ranging from weekend workshops on STEM careers, to summer-long internships working with research scientists, says Linda Froschauer, science educator and past president, National Science Teachers of America.
Some cover broad topics; others focus on specific areas. A few are residential on college campuses; others are day programs, so geographic proximity is important. Many have age, grade and test score requirements. Some seek recommendations concerning the candidate's character and potential for academic success, notes Froschauer, who has written references for many of her students. Some are free, such as the Girls Science Investigations Days at Yale University. Others charge tuition. Many give scholarships based on need.
To start your search, ask your daughter's science teacher for local recommendations. Then search using "summer classes for girls interested in STEM subjects," along with your location, to see what else pops up. If a co-ed option appeals, search for "science and math summer enrichment." See what's in your own back yard.
For example, Texas A&M offers "Expanding Your Horizons: A Career Conference for 6th Grade Girls." The University of Maryland offers Summer Physics Program for Girls, a two-week program for girls entering ninth grade or 11th grade. Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth runs co-ed programs on campuses all over the country, www.cty.jhu.edu. The University of Virginia offers a Summer Enrichment Program through the Curry School of Education. www.curry.edschool.virginia.edu. Sally Ride Science (www.sallyridescience.com) and NASA (nasa.gov) offer science programs for girls. Check out the National Girls Collaborative Project, www.psctlt.org/ngcp.
Froschauer suggests checking with area science museums and technology centers for summer and weekend programs. Check your local Girl Scouts or 4H groups as many promote STEM education activities. Look into local Expanding Your Horizons www.expandingyourhorizons.org and The American Association of University Women www.aauw.org for regional conferences and events targeted to girls.
The most competitive programs tend to fill up fast. "Now is the time to work on these applications," says Deborah Leach-Scampavia, who oversees the High School Student Summer Internship Program, part of the Scripps Florida Education and Outreach Program to promote bioscience education. While not limited to girls, the program is committed to increasing the number of students underrepresented in the sciences.
Whatever STEM path you put your daughter on is a step in the right direction. "It's important to keep girls' interest high so that they have a strong foundation for high school and college courses that lead to opportunities in STEM careers," says Froschauer.
Copyright 2009, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
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