Men continue to outnumber women in numerous technical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields such as, engineering and computer science. Prior work demonstrates the importance of introducing girls to STEM content early on, before gender stereotypes are ingrained. However, many parents and teachers are not sure how to do this in a developmentally appropriate and playful way.Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Childhood by Dr. Amanda Sullivan, Ph.D. explores the various social, cultural, and psychological reasons behind the persistent gender disparity between men and women in STEM fields. By explaining the powerful role of stereotypes, the media, and experiences with peers and adults during the foundational early childhood years, this book builds the case of early childhood being a critical time in development to reach girls.Breaking the STEM Stereotype is set up in three parts. Part 1 provides the current state of the gender divide in each aspect of STEM and explores why early childhood is a critical time to address this divide. Part 2 explores gender identity development and gender stereotypes as well as the influences of the media, advertising, and adult and peer role models on young children. Finally, Part 3 arms readers with the knowledge they need to dispel gender stereotypes in STEM. It provides suggestions on tools, technologies, and kits that can be used with young girls beginning in pre-kindergarten. It provides materials needed to design effective curricula and activities to engage girls with STEM in playful ways that build on their personal interests.

Dr. Amanda Alzena Sullivan, Ph.D. is a child development specialist who researches the impact of new technologies and media on children. Amandas research is specifically concerned with using new technologies to engage girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in order to increase the representation of girls and women in these fields.

Foreword

Dr. Marina Umaschi Bers

Acknowledgements

Introduction:Female Underrepresentationin Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) And What We Can Do About It

Part I: The Great Gender Divide in STEM

Chapter 1: Why Engaging Girls with STEM Before Second Grade Makes a Difference

Chapter 2: Crush the Girls Are Bad at Math Myth

Chapter 3: Celebrate Women in Science

Chapter 4: Grow the Number of Women in Tech& Engineering

Part II: Stereotypes are Everywhere (And Its Becoming a Real Issue)

Chapter 5: What to Know About Gender Identity and Stereotypes in Early Childhood

Chapter 6: Ensuring Girls Overcome Stereotype Threat

Chapter 7: The Blue Aisle vs. The Pink AisleThe Influence of Media, Advertising, and Toy Companies

Chapter 8: The Important Impact of Parents, Teachers, and Other Role-Models

Part III: Break the STEM Stereotype in Early Childhood

Chapter 9: Tools, Games, and Products to Engage Girls in Pre-K through Early Elementary School

Chapter 10: Create Engaging STEM Activities for Young Girls

Chapter 11: Simple Things Adults Can Do

Chapter 12: Beyond Early Childhood

Conclusion: Imagining the Scientists and Engineers of the Future

Appendices

Appendix A: Gender Divide in STEM Factsheet

Appendix B: STEM Career Examples

Appendix C: Planning Sheet for Educators: Designing STEAM Curriculum to Engage Girls

Appendix D: STEM Picture Books

About the Author