Full Description
Men continue to outnumber women in numerous technical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields such as, engineering and computer science. Prior work demonstrates the importance of introducing girls to STEM content early on, before gender stereotypes are ingrained. However, many parents and teachers are not sure how to do this in a developmentally appropriate and playful way. Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Childhood by Dr. Amanda Sullivan, Ph.D. explores the various social, cultural, and psychological reasons behind the persistent gender disparity between men and women in STEM fields. By explaining the powerful role of stereotypes, the media, and experiences with peers and adults during the foundational early childhood years, this book builds the case of early childhood being a critical time in development to reach girls. Breaking the STEM Stereotype is set up in three parts. Part 1 provides the current state of the gender divide in each aspect of STEM and explores why early childhood is a critical time to address this divide. Part 2 explores gender identity development and gender stereotypes as well as the influences of the media, advertising, and adult and peer role models on young children. Finally, Part 3 arms readers with the knowledge they need to dispel gender stereotypes in STEM. It provides suggestions on tools, technologies, and kits that can be used with young girls beginning in pre-kindergarten. It provides materials needed to design effective curricula and activities to engage girls with STEM in playful ways that build on their personal interests.
Contents
Foreword
Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Female Underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) —And What We Can Do About It
Part I: The Great Gender Divide in STEM
Chapter 1: Why Engaging Girls with STEM Before Second Grade Makes a Difference
Chapter 2: Crush the "Girls Are Bad at Math" Myth
Chapter 3: Celebrate Women in Science
Chapter 4: Grow the Number of Women in Tech & Engineering
Part II: Stereotypes are Everywhere (And It's Becoming a Real Issue)
Chapter 5: What to Know About Gender Identity and Stereotypes in Early Childhood
Chapter 6: Ensuring Girls Overcome Stereotype Threat
Chapter 7: The Blue Aisle vs. The Pink Aisle—The Influence of Media, Advertising, and Toy Companies
Chapter 8: The Important Impact of Parents, Teachers, and Other Role-Models
Part III: Break the STEM Stereotype in Early Childhood
Chapter 9: Tools, Games, and Products to Engage Girls in Pre-K through Early Elementary School
Chapter 10: Create Engaging STEM Activities for Young Girls
Chapter 11: Simple Things Adults Can Do
Chapter 12: Beyond Early Childhood
Conclusion: Imagining the Scientists and Engineers of the Future
Appendices
Appendix A: Gender Divide in STEM Factsheet
Appendix B: STEM Career Examples
Appendix C: Planning Sheet for Educators: Designing STEAM Curriculum to Engage Girls
Appendix D: STEM Picture Books
About the Author
