Encouraging girls to take up STEM

Alex Bannigan & Sarah Terkes

http://ipadkids.com/5-resources-help-engage-girls-stem-learning/

Today

• Introductions • Why are we here?• Overcoming cultural and social factors• Teaching methods & learning environmentsBREAK• Internships and mentoring • Careers • Opportunities for engagement

Introductions: Alex Bannigan

• Biologist• Artist?• Educator• Women in Engineering

Manager

Introductions: Sarah Terkes

• I.T. Geek from a family of radical nerds• Went to an all-girls selective school• Confident about maths and science ability• Digital Marketing and Communications

Officer – UNSW Science• Science 50:50 Campaign Manager

Why are we here?

Overcoming cultural and social factors

• Why do we care?• Gender Stereotypes• Misperceptions• Influencers

What do you think?

External influences

Where we are now.

Teaching Methods & Learning Environments

• Context• Outcomes• Stereotype threat

What has been your experience?

Including girls in the picture

Break

Role models

Role models

Mentoring

Who are your mentors?

• How did it begin?

• How has the

relationship grown

and matured?

Creating a relationship:

• Personal bond

• Agreement

• Collaboration

Mentoring Programs

Natural Mentoring Program Mentoring

School Based University Based

“You are not a mentor until the child gives you permission to be a mentor”

-Dr Thomas Keller, Portland State University

Industry Immersion/Engagement

• Important AND possible • They want to reach out and inspire, they want diversity of

perspectives from recruits

Careers

• Role models• Linking science to careers• Work with meaning

#Girlswithtoys

Careers of the Future

Careers of the Future

Resources

• stemcareer.com• pbskids.org/scigirls• pbskids.org/designsquad• engineergirl.org• amysmartgirls.com• amightygirl.com• careergirls.org• huffingtonpost.com/news/girls-in-stem• ngcproject.org/engaging-girls-stem• security4women.org.au/rolemodels

Opportunities @ UNSW

• Science 50:50• Science Work Experience Week: November• Women in Engineering Camp: Annual event in

January• Girls Do The Maths: Annual Event in early May

science.unsw.edu.au/events engineering.unsw.edu.au/upcoming-events