Girls Dive into Math and Science on the Big Island #dyscalculia

Submitted by Judy Hanning on Wed, 2017-02-01 04:00

In the early 1980’s, researchers were concerned about the low number of girls choosing to take math and science classes. It was apparent that young girls were becoming disinterested in math and science-related careers as early as the fifth grade. To counter this trend, a program called “Girls Exploring Math and Science” (GEMS) was developed.

They’re all women–with careers in math, science, and engineering. Cindy Armer is the organizer of GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. “It’s a national program through AAUW (American Association of University Women) Back in the late 80s after research about how girls were not choosing to take math and science classes. Fifth grade seemed to be about the time they seemed to be making decisions.
~ SHERRY BRACKEN

GEMS is focused on bringing female professionals together for the betterment of women.

GEMS brings female professionals from many varied math and science-related careers together to inform, explain and demonstrate possible career choices that are available to young women. Careers in mathematics, science, engineering, biology, geology, archaeology, veterinary medicine and a host of other professions are represented. The GEMS exhibitors also conduct hands-on workshops with small groups of girls. The overall goal is to instill a positive attitude toward math and science in the young girls.

Key Takeaways:

1
Girls Exploring Math and Science is a program that connects girls that love math.
2
More than three hundred girls asked questions about future careers in math and science fields.
3
The gap of learning between males and females are closing as more girls begin to thrive in math and science.
Read the full article here:
http://hawaiipublicradio.org/post/girls-dive-math-and-science-big-island