Getting Girls Interested in Science and Engineering


roominate engineering toys for girls
This is a wonderful toy for girls!

The US needs to produce more scientists and as most people know, one of the problems is that there isn’t enough interest from girls. Of course girls can become great scientists who can improve our world, we really need to work hard on all levels to make sure girls know it.  A secondary reason is true of boys and girls alike: Public education has to do more to emphasize science and math.  Kids need to know that doctors, researchers, mathematicians and engineers are heros.  They need to know that science is still wide open and we have lots of things that still need to be investigated and discovered.

There are definitely things that parents can do to help their girls along.  Top of the list is encouragement–parents need to talk up science and math.  Second is to get girls science and engineering presents.  Look past the pink aisle in Target and Walmart and realize that many of those toys only teach girls certain important, but limiting skills.  take them places that will help them learn science beyond what they are exposed to in school–Many times these are things that the whole family can enjoy together.  For instance museums, zoos, planetariums, etc are all fun outings for kids.  There are also scientific toys and gifts.  And educational TV shows that encourage science and math.

Today I saw this great product for helping to get girls (and boys) interested in science–in this case electricity and more.  Its a dollhouse that is fully wired and comes with modular pieces that turn into different kinds of furniture.

https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/20/new-project-roominate-offers-a-fully-wired-dollhouse-for-kids/

If your boys and girls are interested in Legos, consider investing in a NXT or Mindstorms robotics kit.  It is all kinds of cool and the things they learn from it will go a million miles in pushing them ahead of their peers. They aren’t cheap, but believe me, if you can get your kid working with them, they will learn all sorts of things about programming and engineering…and its just a really cool toy for all ages (probably age 6 or 7 and up, but I am really sure there are plenty of exceptions) Here is an example of a kit that walmart sells:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/11081183?adid=22222222227000050995&wmlspartner=wlpa&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=13222983430&wl4=&wl5=pla

There are many others at varying price points.  Many elementary schools and middle schools are now getting these kits and starting robotics clubs.  Seriously, don’t wait, get your boy or girl going on this today.  Also, see my post about the future of jobs in America

More Resources
My list of educational gifts for smart kids
TV shows that encourage science and math