I teach math and science in a lab setting to children in grades K-8. I experience evidence of the research findings from NCRW concerning a hands-on cooperative approach to math and science every day. This method not only promotes interest by girls, but also models the way science is used in the real world. Careers, especially research based careers, in math and science necessitate working as a team. Girls definitely respond to working in lab groups and sharing their data and knowledge.

I agree, confidence has a lot to do with it. I wished more women would get into a science field, but the ones there are paving the way and being role-models.

thnk you for sharing

I have worked with several women if this field and they were a pleasure to work with. We need to start in the early years of school to encourage our young ladies to develop their interest in science.

Thanks for your comment Larry. We do need to encourage girls to develop an interest in science at a very early age. Women in Nuclear (WiN) runs a GIRLS Science Club throughout the school year to do just that. The comments we receive back from parents, teachers and club members are very encouraging. It is all about making it fun, applying the science to everyday life so the girls see the relevance and providing them with a female mentor who has been successful in the field of study. So far it has been a recipe for success!

It is seen regularly that girls lose interest in science,but as far as I have noticed it seems like a lack for reasoning. They get good grades and marks , but where practical application creeps in , they seem to lose interest.

I think you have really hit on something here. The practical applications i.e., experiments may not be appealing to the girls and therefore we need to look at ways to find more gender friendly experiments that will appeal to both genders.

A study through the University of Wisconsin suggests that confidence may be a contributing factor. “While interest is certainly a factor in getting older girls to study and pursue a career in these disciplines, more attention should be given to building confidence in their abilities early in their education,” says Distinguished Professor Nadya Fouad.

James,

Confidence is indeed a big factor. That is one area we are trying to work on through our GIRLS Science Clubs and Camp. When you take the boy factor out of the room it is amazing how the girls step up and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty doing experiments. Teachers tell us that the girls are then more confident in the classroom and less likely to sit back and write the notes as the boys do the actual experiment.

The girls lose interest in math as well as science because they are not given the similar opportunities as the boys in their classes. Boys are come with science kits and other experimental toys at a little age. Young girls are given dolls and less-tentative toys. There are various images of male scientists in the media as well as in movies. However few girls are shown shines in math and science.

I agree to what you have said. If the academicians don't come up with creative ideas to make things interesting to all , then it might just hamper the confidence of these young minds in pursuing a career in these disciplines.

Great insights everyone. So how do we change things? We can jump in to fill voids much like we have done with GIRLS Science Club, but what else can be done to help hold interest in these disciplines for girls. Young girls close way too many doors on future well-paid, exciting careers when they lose interest in math and science early on.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

Huh? Girls dont like science? I love science. Maybe you should reconsider this.

I like science too but I guess not that much. It involves a lot of memorization and I think math is a lot easier to memorize than science.

Ruby,

Thanks for the comment. I think if we can find a way to apply the science you are learning to everyday life it will help a lot. That way it is not about memorizing the materials but you actually understand and remember the science involved. There are lots of wonderful careers in science and many careers use some component of science. I hope you continue to enjoy science.

Girl,

So happy to hear from girls like yourself who love science. Keep up your studies. Lots of great careers waiting for smart girls in science.

It is very easy to understand that what's the reason behind this. We can't say that all the girls in the world dislike science. There is a number of girls in the world which dislike science but most of the girls like science. Most of the scientist girls in the world are alive examples of this situation.
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Thanks for your comment Margaret. I agree we should never generalize when talking about people. I have some very good female friends who are indeed scientists and who love to share their knowledge with young women and girls, helping to present science in a very fun and practical way.