It’s hard to believe that in the 21st century, old habits still die hard and some teachers are still conditioned, on an unconscious level, to associate science with boys. Recognizing that parents and teachers have a special role to play in nurturing early curiosity STEM.

BONNIE BROWNSTEIN

“A key to building girls’ involvement in math and science is “increasing teachers’ and parents’ awareness of what [prevalent] biases are, and their awareness that boys and girls are capable of doing equally well in these subjects,” Mr. Leaper said.”
Cavanagh, S. (2007) When It comes to math and science, mom and dad count: Parent attitudes influence how their offspring take to those subjects. Education Week. Vol. 27, Issue 09, Page 8.

“Although there is the general perception that men do better than women in math and science, researchers have found that the differences between women’s and men’s math- and science-related abilities and choices are much more complex than a simple ‘men are better that women in math and science.’” (Hyde, 2005; Spelke, 2005; and Halpern, 2000) as cited in “Encouraging Girls in Math and Science” Institute of Educational Sciences Practice Guide. U.S. Department of Education, p. 3.

“In fact, experts disagree among themselves on the degree to which women and men differ in their math- and science-related abilities.” (Gallagher & Kaufman, 2005) as cited in “Encouraging Girls in Math and Science” Institute of Educational Sciences Practice Guide. U.S. Department of Education, p. 3.