In elementary school about as many girls as boys have positive attitudes toward science. A recent study of fourth graders showed that 66% of girls and 68% of boys reported liking science.

However, by second grade, when students (both boys and girls) are asked to draw a scientist, most portray a white male in a lab coat. Any woman scientist they draw looks severe and not very happy. The persistence of the stereotypes starts to discourage girls, and by eighth grade, boys are twice as interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers as girls are. The female attrition continues throughout high school, college and even into adulthood when we look at work force statistics.

Below are a few websites to support and encourage school-age girls’ interest in STEM:

• http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/default.aspx?pageId=156
• http://www.girlsgotech.org/
• http://www.girlstart.com/