Girls’ Can!

Weren't we all inspired by gazing at the night skies as children? And yet only one fourth of professional astronomers are women. Today’s challenges in the environment are calling for creative solutions but only 11% of today’s engineers are women.

It’s not that girls can’t do science or don’t like math, but they may lack the confidence and interest to study these fields or consider a career in them. While we aren’t intentionally trying to limit girls’ options, we may by the experiences we provide them.

As a parent, you can make a difference in a girl's future. Here are some ideas that may help spark a girl’s interest in science and engineering:

• Are you struggling with gift ideas for your daughter, niece, or friend? Check out Techbridge's List of Holiday Presents for Encouraging Girls in Technology, Science, and Engineering.


• Find out about summer science programs. Check out Techbridge's List of Summer Opportunites for Girls in Technology, Science and Engineering.


• Give a girl a biography of a female role model. The Women's Adventures in Science and Sally Ride Science have career books available.

• What does a CIA agent really do? A marine biologist? GirlTalk Radio girls get up close and personal with women in edgy science careers in a series of interviews conducted by girls ages 11-16.


• Sci Girls a PBS TV series that features real girls ages 11-14 as scientists and engineers. You'll find activities to try with your daughter, tips for raising science-savvy girls, information about the SciGirls Web site and when to watch SciGirls in your area.

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• Research has demonstrated that parental beliefs and attitudes influence children’s development and interests. Ask your daughter about her daily science and math lessons to show your interest in her science learning and your confidence in her math ability.


• Girls often express interest in how technology will be used – its application--and how it can make the world a better place. Remember to relate technology products to how people use them.


• Download a copy of Science Can Take Her Places! Encouraging Your Daughter’s Interests in Science, Math, and Technology from the Sally Ride Science Camps Website. This handbook offers facts and practical ideas for parents to support girls in science.


• Girls at the Center. Girls and Adults Learning Science Together offers activities for girls ages 5-10 and 11-14. Here’s a chance to learn about weather, space, and more. Contact the Franklin Institute to order your copy.


• WonderWise: Women in Science kits offer hands-on activities for 8-12 year olds. What’s particularly nice about these kits is that each one features a scientist who shares her personal passion for science. The series features a range of careers including a sea otter biologist, vet detective, and African plan explorer. 


• Don’t let fear or stereotypes get in the way of a girl's excelling at math. The actress, Danica McKellar, has published a series to help girls survive middle school math. Danica offer tips for homework and test-taking to get ready for algebra and beyond.  For details on the books and fun activities check out Math Doesn't Suck and Kiss My Math.


• Want to find groups in your community that are offering programs for girls? Check out the National Girls Collaborative Project. This collaborative promotes the sharing of resources.

• Make sure girls get enough time tinkering. Some girls may not have the same opportunities as boys to play with games and toys that develop spatial skills. Research shows that young women arrive at college with less hands-on experience than males, which may make advanced math and science classes more challenging.


• Some girls respond better to collaborative projects rather than to competitive games. Be alert to boys dominating in group situations. You know your daughter best to help create a learning environment that suits her needs and interests.


• Studies have shown that parents are more likely to explain to boys than to girls during informal science activities. Make it a point to explain your next gardening project or car repair to your daughter.