Helping Girls Succeed in Math and Science

As a mother of two bright young girls and a woman in a technical field, I have thought a lot about ways to encourage girls in math and science, and to avoid the traps that lead to the gender gap that still exists today. I strongly believe (and research suggests) that family support is a positive factor, and that making science and math fun and relevant goes a long way toward fostering interest.

I have heard some colleagues suggest that girls are simply less analytical or less interested in science than their male counterparts. Studies suggest that - at least initially - this simply isn't true. A recent study found that boys and girls were equally interested in science in the fourth grade, but by the eighth grade boys were twice as likely as girls to still be interested in science. I was shocked by the drastic shift - something (more likely many things) is definitely causing the steep decline in female interest. With the obvious barriers of entry a thing of the past, it is difficult to identify the causes. Some suggest that a lack of support at home, a lack of female role models, and a difficulty relating to common examples used in the science classroom (such as a car engine) may be at work.

The Department of Education released a practice guide for teachers in 2007, aimed at assisting educators in encouraging girls in math and science. The guide was developed by a panel of experts who were tasked with providing evidence based recommendations, and here are the five recommendations they came up with:

1. Teach students that academic abilities are expandable and improvable
2. Provide prescriptive, informal feedback
3. Expose girls to female role models who have succeeded in math and science
4. Create a classroom environment that sparks initial curiosity and fosters long term interest in math and science
5. Provide spatial skills training

In other words, we need to reinforce the idea that girls are capable and can thrive in technical pursuits AND maintain their interest while teaching math and science.

Parents can implement these recommendations as well, and today I want to focus on numbers 3 and 4. I will follow up with information on the remaining recommendations in another post.

3: Expose girls to female role models who have succeeded in math and science

There is a significant lack of female role models in the science classroom. Why the emphasis on classroom? The book Failing at Fairness highlighted that even as recently as 1994 women were significantly underrepresented in textbooks. With a little research, I found there have been an abundance of female role models in math and science throughout history, but few of them make it into science and math textbooks. The National Science Foundation and the Department of Education both think this has an impact on girls' attitudes toward science, and that increasing exposure to female (and minority) role models can encourage everyone in the classroom: "When girls are shown images of women scientists and given a greater sense of possibility about the person they could become, the boys get the message too - I can do this!"

Some studies have shown that girls tend to be more critical of their skills, and/or more easily discouraged by a failure or perceived failure. Providing role models and examples of women who have succeeded throughout history can help reinforce self confidence and invalidate the stereotype that men are better at math and science than women.

Where can a parent go to get information on women in science throughout history? Here are a few resources that can help.

Women's Adventures in Science

Historical Women in Science

Great Science for Girls - role models


4: Create a classroom environment that sparks initial curiosity and fosters long term interest in math and science

This goes back to what I said earlier about keeping learning fun and relevant. Engaging activities - those that girls can easily relate to and that don't reinforce stereotypes (back to the car engine) can increase the interest of all students and help everyone succeed. By encouraging your child's natural curiosity, relating her interests to science or math, discussing current events as they relate to science and math, and encouraging your child to ask questions and seek out answers, you are fostering your child's interest in learning and building her self confidence.

Here are some links that can help you get started:

Science News for Kids

Mad Science

Resources for Families Taking Action

Exploring Science Resources

If you didn't find what you were looking for, don't be afraid to simply Google a particular subject of interest -investigating with your child reinforces the idea that research doesn't have to be a daunting task, and provides an opportunity to discuss appropriate resources.

What do you think - is there still a gender gap in technical fields? Is it inherent, or is there something else at work? I'd love to hear whether you were encouraged in math and science, and see any links that can help encourage all students in technical pursuits!

Have Breastpump, Will Travel

When Sweetpea was born, I was a gold elite member with Northwest Airlines. I somewhat naively thought that when I returned to work after maternity leave I would be able to ease back into travel mode, and con some of my less maternal coworkers into taking some trips for me. I might as well have slipped that gold elite identification tag right on my pump, because we were going to be spending a lot of time together.

Overall, pumping has gone pretty well for me. I've always been able to collect enough milk to keep up with demand and then some, donating the extra to a milk bank the first time and a private donor this time around. The difficult part turned out to be finding a place to pump and making the time for it during my many trips. Before baby, I could tell you which airports had the best restaurants and window shopping. After baby I could tell you which ones had private bathrooms with a lock and a plug!

Here are a few of the more (or less) exciting places I've had the chance to pump:

various parking lots
many a restaurant bathroom
airport bathrooms
in the passenger seat of a car on the highway
in the medical department of a manufacturing plant in Mexico
in the office of one of the managers at a Mexican supplier's facility (they had to hang posters up over the windows so I could have some privacy...hi everyone, don't mind me...)
Walt Disney World

And what I think is the strangest place of all: while drivingl (stuck in traffic) in the line to cross the border back into Mexico between Matamoros and Brownsville - thank goodness for my battery backup! (and yes, this was at the urging of my friend/coworker Tom, who really wanted to go straight to eat dinner when we finally got back into Texas, thanks again, Tom!)

After pumping in so many public-ish places, I've gotten pretty good at being discreet - or at least staying covered. (there is something about that pump noise that invites people to stare, trying to figure out what you're doing) I find with a nursing tank and a long shirt I can get situated to where I feel comfortable. In areas where there isn't a table, I've hung my pump bag over my shoulder. Disinfecting wipes and the microwave steam bags are great for when you're not in a place where washing is easy, like when I was in Mexico.

As challenging and stressful as it was at times to plan my travel around making time to pump, it was comforting to me, reminding me of my little one and helping me to feel close to her even when I was very far away!

Where are the strangest places you've pumped? Come join the conversation at the Motherlove Facebook page!

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

With the comments of a local radio host recently suggesting that women who nurse in public are exhibitionist, I thought I'd post my own example of just how discreet it can be. I think women should be free to nurse any way they want or need to in public. Nourishing our young ones isl in no way exhibitionist. I never use a cover, partly because I can't see what I'm doing, and partly because once my girls discovered their hands they would never leave them in place anyway. Even though I'm not "covered" I am always covered, because that's what makes me feel comfortable. If you're interested, I've written about nursing discreetly in public here.

Celebrating WBW at the state fair, nursing next to a real pro! Sugar Plum is glad she doesn't have that much competition...

Who's that pro I'm referring to?

Here she is! (her babies are a bit blurry, because they were so excited to be eating)

I have a few other posts planned for this week, if I can make the time. I hope so, because I'm excited about them!

This post was submitted for wordful wednesday and works for me wednesday

My little sprout

I wanted to share some adorable photos we had taken prior to our vacation!

This adorable and versatile outfit is handmade in the midwest and can be found at Neptune Sprouts! It is reversible (see contrasting fabric in photo above, of Sweetpea "twirling like a princess") and grows with your child, turning from a knee length dress into a tunic top.

This pose cracked me up - she could fold her hands or cross her legs, but not both at the same time...love that toothy little grin she's sporting!

Chubby little toddler hands and feet are so kissable, and I love how happy she looks here!

Another peak at the contrasting fabric around the edges - if you're attending BlogHer you're welcome to come take a closer look!

Ready...Set...Let's get planning! The first step to organizing - keeping it all in one place.

When you're thinking of getting organized, what is one of the first things that comes to mind? Oh yeah. Well besides that...finding a planner, right? :)

Are you in search of the perfect planner? Just in case you are, I thought I'd review a few of the ones I've come across in my organizational series. Speaking of that series, I'd like to apologize that it's running about a month late - obviously I need some remedial organizational assistance!

One of the most important aspects of finding a planner is finding one that you like and fits your needs well enough that you will stick with it. Another key is finding a planner that has everything you need so you can keep all your information in one spot - no flipping through several planners or notebooks trying to remember where you wrote that key piece of information. That said, I'm going to violate the second principle just a bit...if you have a business or side project that you need to keep organized, it may work best for you to separate your "home life" from your side projects or business, as long as you are conscientious about keeping everything in its place so you know where it is.

The Busy Body Book
This planner has a unique grid format that allows you to track and coordinate five different schedules at once. Each page contains a week, with weekends having just as much space as weekdays. The opposite page has a blank and lined section for to do lists, notes, doodles, etc. The possibilities are endless - track family member's schedules, school subjects, business or home projects, meal plans, and more. This planner is one that is especially well suited for either home management or business planning, and I could easily see myself keeping one for work and one for home. The planner includes 2 large pockets, a bookmark, contact pages, shopping lists and a planning calendar. There are several stylish cover designs to choose from, and at $17.95 this planner is very affordable!

The Busy Body line of products also includes a magnetic fridge pad with seven tracking columns and a lined note section. The days are also unassigned, so you can use them whenever you like and the pad is tailorable to any month or year. There is also a seven column wall calendar available, great for displaying and coordinating family schedules, chores, meal plans, etc.

BusyBodyBook products are available at Amazon.com, giggle.com, and several other online and specialty stores.

Mom Essentials
This planner is great for moms on the go - small enough to fit in a purse and with a built in elastic closure you can keep it together wherever you are. This planner includes

• a week at a glance tear out calendar section
  
• a space for contacts
  
• to do lists
• a meal planning section that includes space for both take out and menu planning (menu ideas side by side with a grocery list)
  
• a notes section
• a pocket for any miscellaneous items you need to keep safe

In addition, there are a variety of funny post it notes for added reminders or leaving notes for others.

Mom Organizer
This stylish wall calendar comes with a large space for the details of each day, reminder stickers, a chore chart, and space for emergency and contact information. A storage pocket helps keep important documents handy. For added fun, you'll find a list of unusual holidays such as national popcorn day and international talk like a pirate day listed on the inside cover.

My Daily Bubble
This planner uses the power of bubble maps to help you gain control over your to do lists and creatively map out your life. One side of each page is a lined list of items, the other side is a bubble map. This planner is great for brainstorming about projects and coordinating schedules. Planner pages are attached like a Rolodex, so you can add, subtract, or rearrange easily. The Bubble Planner site has some great tutorials on using bubble maps and goal setting, as well as inspirational videos and tutorials.

The Daily Seed WholeBook
This book is like a planner and a life coach rolled into one. Arranged seasonally, each book contains planning pages and worksheets for a quarter of a year. Designed to help mom's take a balanced look at each aspect of life, these pages include space for a morning and evening ritual, self care and relationships, visions/goals for the future and more. The introduction includes information on how to get the most from this book, and how to coordinate the "have to-s" with your values and goals to create a life you are passionate about.

Sarah Pinto Weekly Planner
If you're looking for a simple, stylish and green planner that will fit in your purse, this planner is for you! Each week is divided into two pages, with a space for appointments and to do lists for each day, as well as a note section for each week. These planners are printed on high quality recycled paper using soy based ink, and are made in the USA. A portion of the proceeds for each of the beautiful "Tapestry" planners goes to California Pacific Medical Center Pediatric Cardiology.

What kind of planner do you use? What do you like/dislike about it? I'd love to hear what's working for you, and what you'd like to see that you haven't found yet!

Gearing up to Go Red February 6th

As someone who has been very personally affected by heart disease, I do my best to live a heart healthy lifestyle and be an advocate for the American Heart Association and its programs. Are you familiar with the Go Red for Women campaign? It’s a great program designed to help inform and empower women to live heart healthy lifestyles, know their risk factors, and understand the symptoms of a heart attack.

Here are some simple steps to love your heart, courtesy of the AHA:

Use as many calories as you take in. Interested in some calculators for determining how many calories certain activities burn, or how many calories you need a day? I love the Self Magazine site calculators here. The site also has great information on nutrition, healthy recipes and exercises. If you’re looking for some motivation to get in shape, the Self Challenge is a great program.

Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups. Need a refresher course on the food groups? The USDA my pyramid site is a wonderful resource for all ages. I love being able to double check that Sweetpea is getting a good, balanced diet.

Eat less nutrient poor foods. Looking for a way to indulge your sweet tooth but still eat healthy? The Eat Better America site has a wonderful resource for “healthified” versions of traditional treats.

Want to learn more about heart health, risk factors, and symptoms of heart diseases? Check out the AHA website and the women’s site, Go Red For Women. I hope you’ll mark your on February 6th to wear red – let’s show our support and help spread the word!

Information is power, and we owe it to ourselves and our families to take good care of ourselves! What heart healthy activities do you incorporate into your life? Are you heart smart? I’d love to hear from you!

Motrin vs. Moms?

In honor of International Babywearing Week, Motrin apparently decided to take on babywearing in general and babywearing moms everywhere. If you'd like to see the ad, at the time of this post it was still on the front page of their website, here. I think this takes first honors in the "What were they thinking" category this week. In a true showing of the power of marketing to moms (or in this case, not so much) check out the sheer size of the group of mothers talking about Motrin right now by visiting this site.

If you are upset by this ad, what can you do? Join the discussions - there are plenty to be found - and email Motrin to let them know you are upset.

Here is the email I sent them this morning:

I am appalled by the babywearing ad on your front page - did you not talk to any mothers before publishing such an offensive ad? And during international babywearing week no less, was that on purpose? The benefits of babywearing are well documented, and most moms who wear their babies are fiercely loyal to the idea that it's beneficial. Not only that, but if done correctly it doesn't hurt, and is less tiring than holding a baby normally. There are so many legitimate reasons a mom has headaches, couldn't you have picked one of them?

What do you think of this topic, and the ad specifically? I'd love to hear your feedback!

Tis the season to be giving

Last week started a series highlighting opportunities to give and support those going through difficult times, special people who can use our help. I've mentioned that I'm hoping and planning for this Christmas to be full of tradition and handmade, heartfelt gifts. For those gifts that I'm not planning to make, I'd like my purchases to support something I believe in.

I heard about this book, and the story behind the book on Twitter. One of my twitter friends is a high school friend of Chris LaSalle - Chris's wife Margie has stage IV breast cancer. Chris and Margie have two beautiful children, ages 5 & 7. A friend of the family has written and illustrated a book (pictured above) inspired by and to benefit the LaSalles. Margie collaborated on the story, letting her children know that no matter where she is, she will be with them, Always and Everywhere.

My heart goes out to this family, and the least I can do is buy this beautiful book. I hope you will consider it as well. To read a bit more about the LaSalle's story and the book, follow this link. You can go here to buy the book.

12 Days of (Tip) Junkie Shop A Thon

Laurie at Tip Junkie is hosting a 12 days of Junkie giveaway over at Tip Junkie, don't miss it!

I posted a few weeks ago about this great Shop A Thon, featuring Mom-Preneurs with all kinds of wonderful goodies. For the next 11 days {{I'm late, blushing}} Tip Junkie will be hosting a giveaway a day from these wonderful shops! If you're interested in participating, click over to Tip Junkie and see how to link up and play along. And if you're looking for some beautiful, unique handmade gifts this Christmas, check out the Mom-Preneurs Shop A Thon!

This Juggling Act - Finding balance in life

Photo by I'mClaude

I read a quote from Katie Couric recently that I'll have to paraphrase, because I can't find it again {blushing}.

She was saying that she spends most of her time feeling guilty either because she doesn't spend enough time with her family, or because she feels she's shirking her job. Inevitably, as moms, we all have to just do the best that we can.

I can definitely relate, and, as usual, I agree with and appreciate her point of view.

Regardless of whether you work outside the home or not, I think it's safe to say that as moms, we are all working on our own juggling act. I definitely don't put in the extra free hours that I used to at work, and I took a different position where I wouldn't have to travel regularly. I wish I were spending my days with my daughter, and I have a short term goal to go part time.

I have plenty of mommy guilt, but I make a point to be fully present with my daughter when we are together. We work hard to create quality time as a family, rather than each doing our own thing. We watch virtually no television. We list out the activities we want to enjoy and try to plan in advance.

And basically, we do the best that we can.

What tips do you have for achieving balance in your life? What have you given up in order to spend more time enjoying the things you hold most dear?

Are you planning to give back to your community this season?

The holiday season always strikes me as a natural time to give back to the community. Each year we plan a few charitable activities in advance, and then participate in others as they come up and we're available.

I love the idea of the MomAdvice Big Give, and we plan to send a care package with some of the most needed items for her community. I encourage you to stop over and see what she has planned, and while you're there, check out the inspiring posts others have linked to her site.

On a personal level, here are the activities we have planned for our family.

I've been collecting stuffed animals throughout the year, largely found on clearance after holidays like Valentine's day and Easter. We are going to donate them to the children at the battered women's shelter in our area. I volunteered with the kids at the battered women's shelter in college - they are such a sweet bunch of kids, it is heartbreaking to know what they are going through in their young lives.

We will donate at least one item each grocery visit during November and December for the food pantry.

I have gone through my closet and will be donating 2 bags of business clothing to a local organization that assists disadvantaged women with the support they need to enter the workplace. Part of the program delivers training, there is counseling available and the clothes that are donated are given to these women so they can dress appropriately for their new positions.

I'm co-sponsoring 2 big fundraiser events at work - a pancake breakfast and a "guess that baby picture" contest. The main charities are the American Heart Association and the Arthritis Foundation. We take a portion of the proceeds each year and give to a third charity that we choose as a group. In this past our "extra" money has gone to Katrina assistance and the food pantry. I love that I work with an incredibly generous group of people, each year I am overwhelmed by the amount we raise.

I would love to hear what you are planning to give back to the community this holiday season!

Everything you need for your little fairy princess

There are certain posts that are just so exciting or meaningful that you want to share them with as many people as possible. Rarely does a crafty post inspire me, but this one at Juicy Bits captured my imagination and got me excited - just look at these pictures:

photo by Juicy Bits

photo by Juicy Bits

What a fabulous idea for a little girl's birthday party, and the fairy wands are just magical!

Then I stumbled across this DIY fairy wing tutorial at ThreadBanger totally adorable and looks super easy.

Now there was definitely an idea forming in my head...I'd been thinking about making tutus for Sweetpea and 2 of her nieces that love dress up. Wouldn't a tutu and these fairy wings, along with the requisite magical wand make the perfect fairy princess costume? Then Sweetpea could imagine herself a fairy princess anytime!

For those of you that don't consider yourselves crafty, Jess at Juicy Bits tells me she bought the fairy wings in the top picture at Party City. You can also find adorable tutus at Sassy Pink Boutique.

Linking up crafty ideas is what's working for me this week - for other works for me suggestions, check out Rocks in My Dryer!

Don't miss TipJunkie's Mom-Prenuer Holiday Shopathon!

I love this idea from TipJunkie of supporting women and mom owned businesses this holiday. She has put together a great round up of links to help you find the perfect gift! I hope you'll stop by and check it out. I know I will, and I'll post again later to show you all the wonderful things I've picked out!