#162

Sheryl Sandberg’s quote, "We can each define ambition and progress for ourselves. The goal is to work toward a world where expectations are not set by the stereotypes that hold us back, but by our personal passion, talents and interests", seems particularly apt to share with the knowledge that the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (celebrated on February 11) is ahead of us.

The line, “We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change” (taken from the risk taker attribute of the IB Learner Profile) seems to be particularly relevant when thinking of women and girls in science and echoes the words (from February 2020) of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, “To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential. That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.”.

In thinking of Ursula Wolfe-Rocca’s quote, "If I do not use my classroom to proactively resist the overrepresentation of males in our dominant discourse, I will condemn another generation of students to sit in classes empty of women’s lives, voices, and vision." and knowing how important it is for all students to have role models who inspire them and with whom they can connect, these resources raise awareness of scientists. Scientists. Not female scientists, but simply scientists who happen to be women.

Some resources for displaying in the classroom, in hallways and other prominent areas:

• STEM Role Models Posters and Free Posters Celebrating Women Role Models in Science, Technology, and Math (available in eight different languages)

• Free Posters Celebrating Mighty Women in Science

• Forces of Nature: Great women who changed science. (poster gallery, free downloads)

• Posters celebrating diversity in computing

• Women in STEM posters for classrooms, Series 1, Women in STEM posters for classrooms, Series 2, and Women in STEM posters for classrooms, Series 3

Biographical and research information about scientists:

• 10 Women Scientists Who Should Be Famous (or More Famous)

• 17 Famous Female Scientists Who Helped Change the World

• 20 pioneering women in science history you really should know about

• Women Who Dared to Discover 16 Women Scientists You Should Know (also includes links to book titles and shares the suggested age range)

Advocacy, resources, quotes:

• Women In Science resources from the UN

How will you in your classroom and wider school setting challenge or continue to challenge the stereotypes facing women in science?

References:

• IB IB Learner Profile

• Johnson, R. (2020) Download Beautiful Free Posters Of Leading Female Scientists Daily Cuppa Go

• UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February