Over a decade ago, Mattel introduced Teen Talk Barbie, a Barbie that uttered 4 of 270 sentences. One of her catch-phrases was "Math class is tough." After criticism from the American Association of University Women, the company pulled the doll from the shelves and offered refunds or replacements to consumers.
But the doll reflects a prevailing attitude in education and in society in general: girls aren't good at math. But why? Studies have repeatedly shown that at an early age, parents, teachers, and peers discourage girls from pursuing their interests in math, technology, and science. Just take a stroll down the girls aisle at the toy store. (Hint: It's the one bathed in pink.) Most of the toys encourage girls to learn how to cook, how to clean, how to care for dolls (babies), and how to be pretty (makeup and fashion). These things are not harmful in and of themselves, but when you note the absence of things like science kits and math games it can be a bit disheartening.
To address this issue, NASA announced their G.I.R.L.S. program (Giving Initiative and Relevance to Learning Science), a brand new five-week summer program that will connect girls with their own personal mentor. The pilot program will give 15 to 20 girls (and a few Girl Scout Troops) between grades five through eight the opportunity to be mentored by a female NASA employee. The girls will participate in a five-week program of one-to-one mentoring that will involve assignments from each of the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
While the program sounds like an exciting opportunity, one wonders who will be left out. The program requires applicants to have access to the internet, either at home or a library, and access to a video chat program like Skype or Google Chat. How many girls who are in need of such a program simply do not have access to a computer or the internet?
The program does seem like a step in the right direction. However, it's survival is dependent upon the number of applications it receives. So, if you know a young girl in 5th-8th grade who loves math, science, or technology, encourage her to apply. Applications are due July 15, 2012. Good luck!
[Source: The Mary Sue, 123RF]