News at St. Catherine's

Richmond Times-Dispatch: DIGITAL LITERACY: From STEM to STEAM

Dr. Scheckelhoff recently wrote a piece for the Richmond Times-Dispatch about the importance of STEM for girls.
     As educators, we must equip our students with the knowledge and tools necessary to communicate, create, design and think critically in an ever-changing world. The classrooms of today and tomorrow are very different from those of previous generations. Technology has changed our world in innumerable ways and the language of code is necessary for today’s students to fully participate in a global future.
     Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses are integral components for the digital literacy necessary to navigate this environment. It is imperative that students learn how to create with technology versus how just to use or consume it.
     Many organizations have studied gender inequity in STEM fields. Research indicates that the number of STEM careers is growing, but the number of women entering these fields does not match that growth. According to the U.S. Department of Labor report in 2009, eight of the top ten needed employees in the workforce were people with degrees in STEM fields. Women make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce, but are much less represented in particular science and engineering occupations. The Wall Street Journal reported last November that American women make up just 14 percent of computer science graduates and, according to www.madewithcode.org less than 1 percent of girls are majoring in computer science today.
     Increasing girls’ engagement and skills in STEM strengthens the workforce, provides diverse perspectives in problem-solving, enhances innovation and addresses the underrepresentation of women in these fields. To draw girls into STEM and keep them interested, teachers and lesson plans need to foster confidence and to connect students to real-world problems.
     Connecting girls to strong female leaders and mentors — scientists, computer scientists, engineers and mathematicians — allows girls to see themselves in these fields. Teachers can provide programs, classes and environments that align with girls’ interests, passions and goals. Parents have the opportunity to make STEM experiences a part of their family culture by seeking activities that further reinforce positive messages to girls about their place in the STEM world. This can be as easy as parents providing time to visit science museums, buying STEM toys that engage girls in building and manipulating 3D learning environments and hosting educational play dates that encourage exploration and innovation.
     Technology’s impact on all careers is undeniable. When girls understand the “new” definitions for STEM work — design thinking, digital creation, innovative solutions — opportunities abound. As girls gain a deeper understanding of the digital and design-made world that surrounds all of us, they are inspired to embrace this exciting future. By providing concrete examples and hands-on experiences, girls learn how the work aligns with their skills and aspirations.
     Elementary and middle school years are especially important times to capture girls’ interest and to ignite their passion for learning STEM subjects. By motivating and engaging girls early with hands-on activities and creating pathways for girls to take coding, computer science, calculus, chemistry, computer-aided-design, physics and other higher-level STEM classes, we can minimize the social and environmental barriers that keep many girls from pursuing STEM fields.
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     At St. Catherine’s School, we are celebrating our 125th year of girl-centered education and continuing a tradition of “classical, yet revolutionary” education that our founder surely could never have imagined. This week, we are proud hosts of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools conference “From STEM to STEAM: Girls’ Schools Leading the Way.” STEAM incorporates even more innovation with the addition of arts and design to complement science, technology, engineering and mathematics. More than 500 educators and school leaders from around the world will descend upon Richmond to share best practices, discuss innovative strategies and explore hands-on projects. Dynamic keynote speakers such as Dr. Ellen Stofan, chief scientist of NASA; Maria Klawe, president of Harvey Mudd College; and Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, will inspire attendees to create even more opportunities for girls to excel in STEM-related careers.
     It is vital that we empower female voices and skills around problem-solving and decision-making tables. By joining in the conversation, we can all effect positive change. Spread the word about women who are in the STEM fields; tell their stories to a girl in your home or school. Together, we can inspire the next generation of women to become STEM leaders who will share their unique perspectives and creativity in every sector of society.
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     The international 2015 NCGS conference, “From STEM to STEAM: Girls’ Schools Leading the Way,” takes place at St. Catherine’s School June 22-24.
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Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.