Girls and technologies

8 educational projects destroying stereotypes

The EDUTAINME Electronic Journal has prepared a selection of educational projects that help break stereotypes and bring a bright future closer.

Five and mathematics

Surprisingly, gender imbalance in technological companies does not particularly correlate with estimates at school. According to a study conducted at the University of Missouri, in 70% of the countries, girls are more successful in mathematics and sciences than boys. “We found that even in countries where women are brutally violated, girls often surpass boys in reading, mathematics and natural sciences,” scientists say. What is the reason then?

The authors of the work believe that in the teaching methods themselves there are something that makes girls abandon technical specialties. By the way, as another study, performed by scientists from England and Israel, showed, many teachers subconsciously underestimate the assessments of the girls when it comes to mathematics and natural-scientific disciplines. As a result, many schoolgirls lose their motivation and any interest to high school.

Bracelets and LEDs

The graduate of the Faculty of Engineering MIT Kristen Riley knows firsthand how hard it is to be a technician woman. Struggling with annoying stereotypes, she conducts workshop for girls, where she teaches to construct robotic limbs and create wearable technologies. For example, at one of the events, high school students printed thermal polls on a 3D printer and programmed sensors for LEDs in sneakers. In addition, MIT has developed the Girls Who Builds to support the community of girls interested in technology and engineering sciences.

Lego and Paleontology

Lego had to reissue a set about women-researchers: last summer it was bought in a couple of days. The constructor Research Institute includes figures of three women research and their toy laboratories - paleontological, astronomical and chemical. Prior to this, most female characters LEGO wore pink dresses and more have fun, which they did. The series was released after the letter of a little girl gained popularity on the Internet: she asked LEGO to produce more toys that would represent women not only behind the stove or on the beach, but also at work. The author of the idea was Ellen Kuyman, a professional geologist from Sweden.

Snowflakes and algorithms

Last year, Disney supported the World Code hour: specially for girls, training games were developed based on the cartoon "Cold Heart". Anna and Elsa, the main characters of the cartoon, help to master the basics of programming - using the code you need to draw snowflakes, sculpt snowmen and create fractals. The project uses the principle of Drag-And-Drop: the commands can be dragged to the editor and make algorithms from them. A short inspiring video lecture in which women developers participated in the games.

Literature and bronotosaurs

It has long been known about boys that they love shooters, robots, races and do not like to let the girls into their games. In a masterpiece fake advertising, girls are armed with dolls of the sisters Bronte and give a worthy rebuff. This video, which unexpectedly combined the brief history of feminism and female prose, was conceived in 1998, but they never shot real advertising. If you are not looking yet, we add that in the plot it appears to the bronte-zavr in ruffles.

Codes and beads

Made with Code is a project of the non -profit organization Girls Who Code, designed to eliminate gender gap in the field of computer sciences and make not only 0.03% of high school students are interested in programming. On the site you can find DIY style lessons in a variety of areas: for example, it is proposed to print jewelry on a 3D printer, draw cartoons and process userpiks for social networks. Google has invested $ 50 million in the project and now hopes that even if girls do not become technology, they will love technology for sure. In addition, every summer the organization is organized by a seven -found summer camp for schoolgirls.

Humanism and 3D modeling

Jeremy Simon is a well -known developer of hands for children and adults. Sierra, a ten-year-old girl who contacted him via Skype, asked for advice and printed her hand on a 3D printer. According to Jeremy, this story shows well how time changes: "We have grown in the world, acting as consumers, and these children will grow up in a world where they will consider themselves creators." Sierra was so interested in such work that she inspired her classmates and teachers. Now she dreams of visiting a scientific fair and seriously engage in 3D design.

Creativity and freedom

Inspired by the success of Khan Academy, several creative women decided to open a fashionable educational site specifically for girls. Among the founders are Yoko, and among teachers is Marina Abramovich. In addition to drawing, in the School for Doodle online school, they teach the ability to be creative and confident. Soon on the site it will be possible to take a course under the leadership of famous artists, show your projects or participate in a webinar. "Our mission is to teach girls to appreciate themselves and not be afraid to be loud."