Question
My middle schooler is really into science but can’t figure out which branch of science she wants to focus on. What are some good ways to encourage a future Woman In STEM?
Anonymous
Answer
It’s so great that you’re encouraging your daughter’s interest in science! Fostering her potential as a future Woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) will be so rewarding and it will help strengthen your bond even if she ends up deciding not to go into a STEM field in the future. Here are some ways you can help her find her way in the realm of STEM!
- Explore different STEM fields together. Take a trip to the library or hit up some museums and science spots around town (or nearby cities if you’re in a rural area.) See what clicks with her and dive deeper into whatever grabs her interest
- Engage with stories of women in STEM. From Marie Curie to Hedy Lamarr to Madame C.J. Walker, women in STEM have some amazing stories. Seek these stories out in biopic form or at your local library and enjoy them together. Having good conversations around science and the women who have contributed to STEM fields is vital for helping her understand that a woman’s place is anywhere she wants to be!
- Seek our STEM opportunities in your area. Whether we’re talking about in-person experiences, field triceps, or STEM camps and online courses (Ahem! See below!) giving her experience to engage with STEM subjects in fun, creative environments will help her find the focus that’s right for her.
- Stay in the know! Subscribe to online newsletters or STEM-focused magazines so you can discuss new and exciting STEM topics together as they appear in the news. This will also keep you and your daughter informed as to the state of STEM in the world right now and give her practical information that she might be able to use in the future.
Resources We Love
At VT we have a wide array of STEM subjects available to explore. Check them out here!