Few women in STEM workforce
Women outnumber men in Canadian universities, but they make up less than 40 per cent of undergrads in math and physical science. Women only make up a quarter of the STEM work force. Governments and universities want to know why and are looking for ways to attract more of them.
A survey of about 600 students in Grades 7 to 9 found that girls who took part in activities like science fairs, competitions and summer camps were 2.7 times more likely to think about a STEM career. The same was not true for boys.
Good grades and teacher influence were less likely to influence students to consider STEM jobs, according to the study.
“A major finding”
“The power of hands-on engagement and continual engagement for girls.,.they’ve indicated to us that it increases their likelihood to consider a STEM career. This was a major finding,” said Tamara Franz-Odendaal, associate professor and lead author of the study. “Nobody’s really done a study like this before.”
Students indicated that if there were more opportunities to engage in scientific activities they would take them. Also, they lacked knowledge about STEM careers.
Girls often lose interest
“I must say that most of our sample were in Grade 7 and they haven’t had much STEM career exposure but they’re starting to lose interest in STEM subjects at this level and if they can’t see the end of the tunnel in what their career is going to be and they don’t understand the connection with the real world then their interest just wanes,” said Franz-Odendaal.
The students will be followed through high school to find out whether they do indeed decide to go into STEM careers.
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