Engaging Girls in STEM Cincinnati Museum Centers STEM

Engaging Girls in STEM: Cincinnati Museum Center’s STEM Girls STEM Conference 2018 Kimberlynn Martin September 20, 2018

Introductions! • Name • Role in STEM programming (teacher, community leader, etc. ) • Do you have a degree in a STEM field? • What is your goal in attending this session today?

According to a 2009 study conducted by the Department of Commerce, women make up about half of the United States workforce, but hold less than 30% of STEM jobs. Six years later, in an updated 2015 study, the results were the same. Source: Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation, 2017

A study conducted by Microsoft found that girls’ interest in STEM piques at age 11 but begins to decline by age 15. Many girls cited a lack of hands-on learning experiences and an absence of female STEM role models as key reasons for their loss of interest. Source: Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation, 2017

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. Embrace collaboration Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. 4. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Accommodate preferred learning styles Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Accommodate preferred learning styles Provide specific, positive feedback Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Accommodate preferred learning styles Provide specific, positive feedback Allow for critical thinking Source: PBS Sci. Girls

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Accommodate preferred learning styles Provide specific, positive feedback Allow for critical thinking Involve role models and mentors Source: PBS Sci. Girls

Girls-focused STEM Programs

2012

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things:

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (1) counter stereotypes and negative impressions about women in science by creating a program that specifically says “girls belong in STEM”

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (2) expose program participants to authentic STEM experiences

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (3) include a broad variety of experiences in a free-choice learning environment, so participants can explore the many different types of skills and careers included in STEM at their own pace

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (4) include specific strategies and outreach to support African American and Hispanic girls who historically have the least amount of exposure to STEM fields and role models

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (5) create a supportive and encouraging environment for all participants, allowing them to solve problems, make mistakes and succeed as they reinforce their confidence and interest in STEM

The GIRLS Program was designed to do six things: (6) expose participants to career STEM women through meet-and-greets, newsletter profiles, and museum talks

Program Structure

Program Successes!

What Next?

What Next? • Continue to inspire girls and their families to connect with STEM • Continue highlighting local STEM professional women • Continue to increase accessibility • Continue to foster a safe, friendly environment for participants

2016

STEM Girls University programs take place at the Main Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Recent topics have been marine biology, architecture, cosmetic chemistry, food science, forensic anthropology, robotics, archeology, biology, and more!

STEM Girls Day Out programs take place in the laboratories, facilities, and workplaces of women actively working in STEM jobs. STEM Girls has recently visited UC Blue Ash’s Veterinary Technology School, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Gorman Heritage Farm, Kroger Technology, Cincinnati Astronomical Society, and more!

Of over 800 surveyed participants, 92% said that the program inspired them to learn more about STEM topics. 99% said their interest in a STEM job either increased or stayed the same after participating.

“The STEM Girls program has taught my daughter that if she wants to achieve goals in her future, she will have to work for them… I believe her improvement in school is due to the STEM Girls program showing her all that she’s capable of achieving and the opportunities that are available to her in the future. ” – a STEM Girls Parent “We learn things that we don’t even know existed! I would love to do this again ” – a STEM Girl “I get to learn amazing things!!!” – a STEM Girl “[STEM Girls] teaches everyone that they can be whatever they want” – a STEM Girl “After the P&G program, my 8 year old fell head over heels about chemistry!” – a STEM Girls Parent

7 Principles for Engaging Girls in STEM Research has found that girls prefer STEM experiences that: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Embrace collaboration Are personally relevant Offer hands-on, open-ended participation Accommodate preferred learning styles Provide specific, positive feedback Allow for critical thinking Involve role models and mentors Source: PBS Sci. Girls

What Next?

What Next? • Continue to inspire girls and their families to connect with STEM • Continue highlighting local STEM professional women • Continue to increase accessibility • Continue to foster a safe, friendly environment for participants

Table Talk

Workshop With your group, brainstorm a program or lesson plan that employs the seven principles of engaging girls.

Resources Cincinnati Museum Center’s STEM Girls: https: //www. cincymuseum. org/STEMGirls PBS Sci. Girls: For students-https: //pbskids. org/scigirls/home For educators- http: //www. scigirlsconnect. org/

Kimberlynn Martin Manager of Museum Camps Cincinnati Museum Center kmartin@cincymuseum. org