Thank you Green Works for sponsoring this post and supporting girls in
STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)programs to help the next generation
of female scientists unleash their power and discover their #NaturalPotential.
I wanted to major in engineering because my aunt majored in engineering. It’s that simple.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve excelled at math and science since grade school. But, seeing and knowing a woman, especially a woman of color, take on such a challenge and be successful made such a huge, lasting impression. I pray that my daughter thinks of me in the same light! Being that I am an engineer, I tend to be biased towards STEM programs and will steer my child(ren) toward this path. I find myself challenging Madison, even now, to think about how things work, why they are the way they are, to question why things react in a certain way, to problem solve, and above all, to think critically. Yes, even at three!
Just this week we did a science “project” (read = we had a lot of fun) where we made a rainbow in a jar as an introduction to density. More than anything I loved watching her face light up as we mixed in food coloring, and poured the different layers of liquid into the jar. I’m looking forward to creating an electromagnet, erupting volcanoes, learning multiplication tables, soldering components onto a circuit board, disassembling and reassembling a computer, and so much more! I honestly can’t wait to find ways to make all of these things incredibly interesting and fun for my little girl throughout the years.
“Being a mentor for your daughter isn’t just easy; it can be a lot of fun. Set aside some time, follow the steps in a [simple experiment or project] and show her you support her interest in science.” –Green Works
It’s exciting to see more and more woman take STEM by storm, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with Green Works to disrupt the norm by showing that woman can lead in science, technology, engineering and math too. Take a look at this video to learn more about their campaign, and join the conversation using the #NaturalPotential hashtag via social media!
When young girls are exposed to STEM early on they are more likely to tap into their natural potential and run with it to be successful in these fields. Furthermore, seeing themselves represented in this field has a significant impact as well; so I’m grateful for the advantage I’ve given my daughter just by choosing this career path for myself.
There’s so much that girls turned women can offer to this world when we’re taught that we can do and be anything, so my goal is to raise innovative, well-rounded leaders. I hope to not only set the example but equip them with knowledge and present them with the possibilities that are theirs for the taking, be it in the fields of STEM or otherwise!
What a great post! Where I live, we have one of the premier polymer science programs in the nation, and one of the PhD candidates (only black female candidate) happened to be the mother of one of my mother-in-law's 4th grade students. They formed a partnership where the mom would come in and do experiments and explorations with the girls because my mother-in-law wanted her students – particularly her female students – to know that they didn't have to become cheerleaders who were secondary to the football team (football is big doings down here) – having babies before they graduated from high school. They both wanted young girls to know that while there is struggle, there is more and better on the other side of the struggle…and they wanted to start them early.
Hi! loved your post very inspirational. The rainbow science project sounds like fun and something my kids will enjoy!
Good Morning,
I am visiting from our Bloggers Face Book Group today. This is a fantastic idea and a great post, I will sure be passing this along to the "Kids Corner" at the cottage. Thanks so much for sharing and have a great day!
Miz Helen
Great post! Love this idea of getting out girls more interested in science and math.
Great post! I think it is so important to empower girls with the mindset they can do anything (even if that is staying at home with their babies) and equipping them to do so! Thanks for sharing!
Love this. Being a STEM female also I gladly encourage young women to get into the field. As the only female on my work team I love kicking these guys' butt.. lol
At this age making learning fun is one of the best ways to encourage curiousity about new things!! Love the rainbow project! Gotta try that with my little one!
I was a Maths teacher of 11 – 16 yr olds so I would be bias towards it too. My husband is a Consultant engineer for a global firm and has always had great respect for the hard working women in his field.
This is great. Even though my field is the arts, I get frustrated with the opposite issue: That men somehow shouldn't go into the arts! It's so silly how we use gender to divide ourselves this way. I have many wonderful girlfriends who are engineers and scientists, and I think it is so cool! I want my daughters to know that they really can be whatever they want to be.
I love this so much! There is definitely a lack of WOC in STEM. I applaud you for introducing your daughter to this field at an early age.