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Science and Math are for Girls!

Are science and math important for girls? Yes!

Everyone can learn math, and everyone can learn science. But it's often hard for girls to get a good science and math education. Here's why.

  • People don't expect girls to do well in these subjects. This hurts girls.
  • When they are young, girls don't have as many toys that encourage them to build, explore, or tinker.
  • Girls aren't always treated equally in class. Girls need their fair share of teacher time and "hands-on" experience.
  • Many times girls like to learn in groups where they can talk, work together, and help each other. Instead, they often have to work silently and alone.
  • Girls don't see many women role models in science and math careers.
  • Girls experience pressure from their friends NOT to do well in math and science at school. This means they may be teased for being "nerdy" or unfeminine if they try to do well in math and science courses.

Math and science skills are important for helping everyone to prepare for the future, including education and careers. Once we know what girls are up against, families need to act. Here's what you can do.

1. Have high expectations for girls.

Tell them they can do just as well as boys in science and math because they can.

Without meaning to, we may put limits on what your daughters think they can achieve. This well-meaning comment may hurt: "Don't worry about doing badly on your math test. Your mother never liked math either."

This kind can help: "Let's talk to your teacher and find out how you can do better. I know you can do well in math. And it's an important subject."

2. Insist girls take science and math courses every year.

Watch out for algebra in the 8th grade - be sure she takes this course. At the end of 10th grade, she may want to stop taking math and science - don't let her. Make sure you know which math and science classes count toward college or technical school requirements. Explain that without these courses, a girl may limit her future. Girls who do not plan to work outside the home may want or need to later. Math keeps doors open.

3. Find out what math and science classes are like in your girl's school. Look for these things:

  • Science and math are "hands-on" and "minds-on."
  • In math class she solves problems, not just practices facts and completes work sheets.
  • She works in a group during math and science activities.
  • She gets to do projects or give reports instead of taking multiple choice tests all the time.
  • She is assigned to a math or science class with students of mixed abilities.
  • Her teachers expect and believe that she can be successful in her math and science classes.
  • Her counselors encourage her to take math and science courses.

If your girl's math and science experience is not like this,

  • make an appointment to see her teachers. Discuss what you hope her math and science program will be like.
  • see the guidance counselor or the principal if you are not satisfied with your discussion.
  • get in touch with the PTO/PTA and join with other parents in seeking information and taking action to improve science and math programs for girls.

Remember, it is your right (and responsibility) to know what is happening to your girl in school.

4. Out-of-school activities are often the most important.

Find programs for girls at local museums, libraries, Girls Inc., 4-H colleges, community centers, summer camps, and after-school programs. Sign your daughter up.

5. Look for female role models in your community.

Keep your eyes open for women who have jobs that use science or math. This might be the woman doctor or the female building inspector. It could be the female dentist or the person who just opened the computer store down the street. Point them out to your girl.

If you know a woman who would talk to students about her work, let the teacher know and encourage the school to issue and invitation. Young women benefit from hearing that they can be anything they desire and that they are not alone in theirs dreams and hopes.

See if the school knows of a female mentor program so your daughter can get to know a woman who uses math or science in her work.

6. Monitor TV viewing.

There are excellent educational science and math programs on the air such as 3-2-1 Contact, Wild America, Newton's Apple, Nature, and NOVA. Many students who watch less TV do better in science and math work at school. A few alternatives to watching TV are joining an after-school science or math program or volunteering at a site such as a veterinary clinic or child care center.

7. Use family mealtimes to talk about why math and science will give girls a better future

All girls are natural scientists and mathematicians when they are young. Remind girls that these interests can last a lifetime and lead to an exciting career and a healthy life.


Last Modified: 2007-09-21 at 12:09:01 -- this is in International Standard Date and Time Notation