Strategies for Encouraging Girls to Pursue Science
Role Models, Mentorship, and Extracurricular Activities
Overview
This module equips participants with actionable strategies to inspire and motivate girls to engage in science education and pursue STEM careers. It highlights the transformative impact of role models, mentorship programs, and extracurricular activities in challenging stereotypes and building confidence in female students. Through real-world examples and evidence-based approaches, participants will learn how to create supportive environments that empower girls to explore their scientific potential.
Module objectives
By the end of this module, participants will:
- Understand the importance of role models in shaping girls' aspirations and confidence in science.
- Explore mentorship as a tool for providing guidance and support to girls interested in STEM fields.
- Recognize the value of extracurricular activities in developing scientific skills and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Identify practical strategies to implement these approaches in schools, communities, and families.
Part 1. The Power of Role Models
Part 2. Mentorship: Building Bridges to STEM
Self-reflection questions:
1. What is the primary goal of mentoring in STEM fields for young women?
a) To teach only technical skills
b) To provide support, encouragement, and networking opportunities
c) To discourage women from pursuing STEM careers
d) To limit access to STEM education
2. What organization is mentioned as a significant initiative for mentoring women in STEM?
a) Women in Business Network
b) Girls Who Code
c) Million Women Mentors (MWM)
d) STEM for All
3. According to the text, at which educational level do mentors help girls find practical opportunities in STEM?
a) Primary school
b) Middle school
c) High school and university
d) Post-graduate
4. Which of the following is NOT a suggested way to find a mentor in STEM?
a) Attending STEM clubs and career fairs
b) Asking teachers or advisors
c) Avoiding networking events
d) Joining professional clubs or associations
5. What is the role of a mentor according to the text?
a) To direct career choices without input from the mentee
b) To provide guidance, share knowledge, and inspire young people in STEM
c) To replace formal education with mentoring
d) To focus solely on theoretical knowledge
Answers:
1. ✅ Correct answer: b) To provide support, encouragement, and networking opportunities
2. ✅ Correct answer: c) Million Women Mentors (MWM)
3. ✅ Correct answer: c) High school and university
4. ✅ Correct answer: c) Avoiding networking events
5. ✅ Correct answer: b) To provide guidance, share knowledge, and inspire young people in STEM
Part 3
Extracurricular Activities and Informal Learning
1. Creative Workshops and Project-Based Learning
Example: Girls Who Code – A U.S.-based initiative where girls engage in hands-on technology and programming projects within a supportive community.
Why it works: It focuses on problem-solving and creativity, which tend to be more motivating for girls than abstract theory.
2. Mentorship Programs
Example: Technovation Challenge – Girls develop mobile apps and receive guidance from female mentors working in the tech sector.
Why it works: Role models help shape a self-image of “I belong in science.”
3. Playful and Design-Oriented Approach
For example, robotics clubs where participants can build and code their own creations (e.g., LEGO Mindstorms or Micro:bit projects).
Combining art and science – creative science (e.g., data visualization projects, science-themed performances).
4. Real-Life Problem-Based Learning
Example: “How can we make our school more eco-friendly?” – integrates biology, technology, math, and social skills.
Girls often show greater interest when a project is connected to a value-driven purpose (e.g., environment, health, justice).
Useful Principles for Designing a Program
Collaboration vs. Competition – Many girls prefer teamwork over competitive formats.
Recognition and Visibility – Showcase girls’ projects publicly, provide opportunities for presenting and celebrating their work.
Accessibility – Free or affordable participation, convenient location, inclusive and welcoming communication style.
Self-reflection questions with answers:
1. What is one main reason why the “Girls Who Code” program is successful?
a) It focuses on theoretical physics
b) Girls participate alone, without guidance
c) The projects are hands-on and creative
d) Participants have to compete against each other
2. Why are female mentors important in technology education for girls?
a) They teach better than men
b) They are good at fixing technical devices
c) They provide role models and support
d) They give girls easier projects
3. Which activity is a good example of a playful, design-based approach?
a) Reading chemistry textbooks
b) A robotics club using LEGO Mindstorms
c) Solving math tests
d) Playing computer games without a goal
4. What kind of topics tend to attract girls more toward science?
a) Abstract concepts
b) Problems disconnected from daily life
c) Value-based and real-life questions
d) Technically complex tasks
5. What principle helps make a science club more inclusive for girls?
a) Only individual projects
b) Competitions and rankings
c) Teamwork and collaboration
d) Less feedback
6. Why is it important to share and recognize the projects created by girls?
a) To attract more sponsors
b) So teachers can grade them
c) To build confidence and visibility
d) To finish the projects faster
Correct answers:
✅ 1. c) The projects are hands-on and creative
✅ 2. c) They provide role models and support
✅ 3. b) A robotics club using LEGO Mindstorms
✅ 4. c) Value-based and real-life questions
✅ 5. c) Teamwork and collaboration
✅ 6. c) To build confidence and visibility
Part 4
Integrating Strategies into Everyday Practice
Euro Space Center
The Space Discovery Hub Participants can experience the everyday life of astronauts, including:
Moon and Mars walking simulators
- Space Flight Unit
- Free-fall slide
- 5D cinema experience
- Planetarium visit
Space Camps for Children and Youth Include:
- Astronomy and satellite exploration
- Rocket building and robotics
- Virtual reality experiences
- Teamwork and problem-solving activities
🇩🇪 GEM – Girls can STEM! (Germany and Europe)
GEM is an EU co-funded pilot project aimed at increasing girls' interest in STEM and ICT fields. The project includes:
Exciting and free summer camps for girls aged 12–18
A broad network of schools, universities, companies, and policymakers to share best practices in supporting girls in STEM education and careers
🇪🇺 Girls Go Circular (European Union)
An initiative by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), which has trained over 40,000 girls across 33 countries. The program offers:
Courses to develop digital and leadership skills
Challenge-based learning on topics such as e-waste, climate change, health, semiconductors, and robotics
Learning materials available in 22 European languages
🇪🇺 Scientix – The European STEM Education Network
Scientix is a leading platform for the European science education community. It offers:
- A hub for science educators to exchange experiences, collaborate, and learn
- Promotion and sharing of best practices in STEM teaching and learning
- Online and in-person training opportunities for STEM teachers
Here are the official websites for the science centers and programs:
Euro Space Center (Belgium)
Website: https://www.eurospacecenter.be/en
GEM – Girls can STEM!
Website: https://stemforher.org/gem/
Girls Go Circular
Website: https://eit-girlsgocircular.eu/
Scientix – The European STEM Education Network
Website: https://www.scientix.eu/
Science on Stage Europe
Website: https://www.science-on-stage.eu/
Practical strategies to use. Giving advice.
Virtual workshops and learning materials: Many programs, such as Girls Go Circular and Scientix, offer online resources that can be used in schools and extracurricular clubs.
European Science Centers and Initiatives with STEM Programs for Girls. Virtual workshops and learning materials: Many programs, such as Girls Go Circular and Scientix, offer online resources that can be used in schools and extracurricular clubs.
School Programs and Excursions
Euro Space Center offers special programs for schools, including:
- Educational visits and hands-on workshops
- Lectures and seminars tailored for students
- Collaboration opportunities for teachers and educational institutions.
How to Integrate These Programs into Everyday Practice
Virtual workshops and teaching materials:
Many of these programs (e.g., Girls Go Circular, Scientix) offer free digital resources that can be used in schools or extracurricular clubs.
International collaboration: Join international projects or educator networks to share experiences and learn from others.
Local events: Organize girls-focused science days or weeks, inviting female scientists and engineers as speakers or mentors.
Science on Stage Europe – Women in STEM
This initiative provides a collection of teaching materials focused on female scientists and their contributions to science. It helps:
Highlight women's roles in STEM through exciting lessons and experiments
All resources are free to download.