Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/how-to-teach-your-children-about-women-in-stem/
Teaching your children about women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields can encourage them to pursue activities that they might not have otherwise known about. When children think of mathematicians or scientists, they tend to think of men.
However, women represent 27% of the STEM field, and that number continues to grow each year. It’s important for your young children – especially girls – to know that a future in STEM is not only possible but also enjoyable.
Even if the thought of your child’s future career is a far away notion, you can still encourage them to take on activities related to the STEM field. You can teach them about historical female figures in STEM or fun science projects to do at home. Keep reading below for creative ways to teach your children about women in STEM.
Women in STEM: Learning About Strong Female Figures
Many women were pioneers in the STEM field, and there are many ways you can teach your children about these women. Let’s take a look at some of the activities and resources you can use to educate your children.
Women in STEM Books:
Change up your bedtime reading routine by adding some books about women in STEM. These books are often educational, interactive, visually pleasing, and encouraging for young children to read.
- Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. Ada is a curious girl who smells something funny in her house. She proceeds to investigate the smell through scientific observation and experimentation resulting in fun mishaps along the way.
- Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky. This book features 50 famous female professionals in the STEM world. It covers women from ancient times until now.
- Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Dougherty. This book tells the story of Emily Roebling and how she helped build the Brooklyn Bridge once her husband could not.
There are many more women in STEM books to read to your children and many where your children can read the books themselves. These books offer an educational and creative way for kids to learn about STEM.
Women in STEM Flashcards:
Another great activity for teaching your children about women in STEM are flashcards. These cards feature pictures of prominent female figures and their achievements. They’re fun to play with and can help your children learn about women in STEM and develop their learning abilities.
Women in STEM TV Shows:
Many TV shows feature strong female leads who teach children about STEM and its many wonders.
- Doc McStuffins: This animated show centers around ‘Doc’ who takes after her doctor mother and opens a clinic for her toys and stuffed animals.
- SciGirls: This show follows preteen girls as they explore their questions surrounding STEM issues, and it encourages young viewers to embrace their curiosity.
- Annedroids: Anne created her own androids and she and her friends explore the unique world of STEM.
- Ada Twist, Scientist: If you enjoyed reading the book, you can also watch the TV show adaptation of Ada’s scientific exploration.
As you can see, there’s many options to choose from to teach your children about women in STEM. These books and TV shows educate children about girls in STEM while also being interesting and presenting the information in creative ways.
Women in STEM: Science Experiments
A great way for children to learn is through doing activities. Having your children do science experiments and math problems is a fun way to get them interested in learning about STEM. you can connect this learning back to prominent female STEM figures.
Create an Indoor Planetarium
Create a small planetarium to reveal constellations in your own home. Take an empty cardboard paper towel roll, attach a piece of paper at one end, poke holes in the paper in the shape of a constellation, shine a flashlight through the other end, and watch as a constellation appears on your wall.
As you’re doing this activity, tell your children about the wonderful achievements of famous female astronomers such as Caroline Herschel, Mary Somerville, and Maria Mitchell.
Build Bridges with Popsicle Sticks
After reading about Emily Roebling’s achievement of helping build the Brooklyn Bridge, have your children make their own bridge with popsicle sticks. The supplies you need include: popsicle sticks, glue, and paint. Once your children build their bridge, they can decorate it however they want with paint, glitter, buttons, pom-poms, and more.
Create a Solar Oven with an Aluminum Can
This is a fun (and delicious) activity for children to learn about how heat works to cook food. You should supervise your children as they complete this activity, and you might need to get things set up for them if they are young.
All you need is: an aluminum can (a Pringles can is perfect), scissors, a drill, wooden skewers, glue, and hot dogs. Empty the chips from the can, cut a rectangular hole in the middle of the can and drill two holes in the top and bottom. Then, skewer the hot dog and place the wooden skewer with the hot dog inside the can through each hole in the top and bottom of the can. Set the can outside in the sun during a hot day until the hot dog is cooked through. Take it out of the can and enjoy!
Learning About Women in STEM Can be Fun!
These activities and resources can be helpful when teaching your children about the importance of women’s achievements in the STEM field. It’s important for young girls and boys to learn about the wonderful accomplishments women completed in the name of science. Learning about women in STEM can also encourage young girls to embrace their creativity and curiosity.
For more educational information for children and parents, visit the Learning Experience’s YouTube channel, Bubbles and Friends.
