Step into STEM on February 11th for Women and Girls in Science Day!
In 2015 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This effort to help break down barriers in STEM fields for women is focused on empowering young girls as they access information and pursue opportunities within the sciences.
According to UNESCO, only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are women, and just over 33% of researchers worldwide are women. Let’s change that!
Gender equality in educational and professional opportunities, pay, and recognition is key to creating a world where the science that impacts our everyday lives, and futures, is inclusive and beneficial to everyone. From climate change research to the next major development in AI, women contributing to diverse scientific fields brings fresh perspectives that can lead to big breakthroughs.
Using the activities, resources and video profiles of pioneering women below, learn about the significant impact and vital role of girls and women in science.
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Getting Girls into STEM
Tips for Encouraging Girls in STEM
Grades PreK-3
SciGirls believes that families are partners in helping girls to pursue STEM studies. This list contains strategies and practical tips to help you encourage your girl to be STEMsational!
How to Raise Strong Girls
Grades PreK-5
When girls get the message that they have the ability to work through difficulty and learn new things, they stop giving up and start finding their way through their struggles. Try, “I’m working on this.” to help your daughter remember that learning takes time.
SciGirls Collection⎪PBS LearningMedia
Grades 3-12
The SciGirls are changing how millions of girls think about STEM! In this multimedia collection, the SciGirls incorporate technology into fashion, gather scientific data on turtles, explore the field of ecology, and much more. And be sure to check out a variety of Role Model Profiles from the shows’ female mentors offering girls a glimpse of exciting STEM career possibilities.
Pioneering Women in STEM
Amelia Earhart | Aviator, Record-breaker, and Activist
Grades 3-8
Amelia Earhart was a pioneer of early aviation, courageously flying airplanes at a time when the risks were high. Equally bold was her pursuit of a career as a woman in a non-traditional field. Learn about Earhart’s passion for flying and determination to succeed as a female aviator.
Anne LaBastille: Ecologist, Author, Trailblazer | People Near Here
Grades 3-12
Examine the life of wildlife ecologist, guide, and author Anne LaBastille. Learn about Anne LaBastille’s commitment to conservation and the environment as evidenced by her solitary life in a remote corner of the Adirondack mountains of New York State. LaBastille documented the challenges of living alone in the wilderness and the effects of climate change on her beloved Adirondack Park in a series of books, articles, and scientific papers, inspiring countless readers with tales of her rugged, pioneering lifestyle.
The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers | Michelle Thaller
Grades 6-12
Meet astronomer Michelle Thaller in this video profile from NOVA’s “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers.” Michelle studies binary systems and the life cycles of stars in the universe, a science that requires enormous imagination. She sees a great drama in the lives of these stars. In her spare time, she pursues another form of drama as an Elizabethan-period dancer at Renaissance events.
Women in STEM: Prejudice and Progress | Decoding Watson
Grades 6-12
Examine Rosalind Franklin’s legacy as a pioneering woman in STEM, the prejudices she faced, and how the climate in biological research has shifted in these videos from the American Masters film Decoding Watson. Franklin’s groundbreaking work was key to our understanding of the structure of DNA, RNA and viruses.
Margaret Chung | Unladylike2020
Grades 6-12
In 1916, Margaret Chung became the first American-born Chinese female doctor. Throughout her career, Chung persevered against discrimination based on her race, gender, and presumed sexuality. Learn about Chung’s inspiring career in medicine and her contributions to the U.S. war effort during WWII in this video from Unladylike2020. Support materials include discussion questions, vocabulary, a “Real Heroes” comic book analysis, and research extension tips.
Activities, Games & More
Elinor’s Nature Adventure
Grades PreK-K
Use binoculars, a magnifying glass, and more to discover Elinor’s world in this digital game!
Books to Inspire Your Young Scientist
Grades PreK-3
Children are natural scientists, asking questions and making predictions about the world around them. They want to know “why” and “what if” and “how.” Just like your young scientist, the characters in this collection of books for children ages 2-8 are always asking questions, conducting experiments, and building new inventions. After reading these books, what will your child be inspired to create?
Observe Shadows With a Solar System Mobile
Grades K-3
Help your child observe how the Earth’s movement around the sun causes changes in shadows on Earth throughout the day by crafting a unique solar system mobile.
Popcorn Science: Which Popped More?
Grades K-3
In this (tasty) experiment, dig into popcorn with your child by preparing the kernels differently, observing and comparing the unique results, and drawing a conclusion about the best preparation method.
SciGirls | Robot Body Language
Grades 3-8
Explore the psychology of expressions using this SciGirls activity challenging students to convey an emotion while their faces are hidden. These days social robots designed to interact with people are sold in stores as pets, house cleaners, and even healthcare assistants! To make these robots seem more humanlike, designers give them personalities using sounds, digital displays, and gestures.
Engineer a Jetliner
Grades 6-12
Experience the engineering design process as an aerospace engineer assigned to design and test an airplane, in this interactive produced by WGBH and The Documentary Group.
For even more games and educational resources for young learners, go to the Simple Science Activities Collection on PBS KIDS for Parents