Iowa Public Television

Join Ann L. Henninger, Ph.D. Professor of Biology & Chair of the Biology Dept. Wartburg College, for this insightful discussion about the status of Women in STEM careers. Our presenter begins by providing your students with a brief historical overview of the status of women working in science fields. She will outline some of the cultural bias and some very interesting social and environmental factors that can affect achievement by girls.

She’ll also dispel some of the many myths about women vs. men’s ability to master subjects such as math and science. Most importantly she will discuss what young woman might consider today (and all students for that matter) if they desire a career in a STEM field. She’ll share current department of labor information about women in science and engineering fields. She will also lend some insight as to why it is important for women to work in these fields and what they bring to the table.

She will share some ideas for strategies if they are considering a career in STEM careers including: -What traits students should look for in a college or university to help ensure their success? - Supports that women can seek if they are working in a STEM field, etc.

Her presentation is intriguing and research based. It’s just as important for young men as it is for young women to hear her message…so they all understand the facts. Because who knows? Someday…they may be working side-by-side in a STEM career!

Related Lesson Plans and Units:

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Applicable standards from McREL:

Self-Regulation Standards

Level IV [Grade : K-12]
1. Performs analysis of employability
2. Understands preferred working environments
3. Understands career goals
4. Determines explicit behaviors that are used and should be adopted to obtain wants and/or needs

Sessions are provided at no cost by Iowa Public Television in collaboration with the Iowa Communications Network to PK-12 students and the adults working with or on behalf of PK-12 students in Iowa.

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