An inspiring message from Debbie Sterling, founder of Goldieblox
Thursday 14 July 2016
Introduction
It's time for girls across the globe to take control
In this society, girls are often pushed away from entering into STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) due to deep rooted gender stereotypes. STEM related careers are....male-dominated (but that can change!).
Some parents in both Eastern and Western cultures believe that girls shouldn't have to work and that a man should provide for her. That she should go into 'soft' careers such as teaching and nursing which give space for women to have children. But why can't women be independent of their own, follow their passions and be successful?
Many of the girls I have spoken to believe that STEM careers are too technical and difficult to enter. But people like Caterina Fake, the co founder of Flikr and Helen Grenier the co founder of i Robot have broken that glass ceiling. I believe that you can go anywhere in life by working hard, being successful by following your passions. Science and Maths are beautiful. Science uncovers the magnificent world around you. Astronomers look deep into the sky discovering new galaxies and phenomena, physicists explain how and why things work the way they do and a career in physics is perfect for the girl with the inquisitive mind.
Chemistry delves into how the smallest object known to man- the atom and how atoms in different elements behave, developing drugs that combat illnesses and experimenting with chemical reactions to create a new and useful materials from the metal in your toaster to the rubber on your running shoe.
And maths- maths helps scientists and engineers to solve problems using its principles. It's methodical and logical, its pleasurable and enjoyable...when you manage to find the solution. Scientists and engineers find it pleasing when they find a solution to a problem that will help to improve peoples lives around the world.
The endless humility inherent in methods of a scientific nature that will discard modern theories if there is enough evidence to replace these theories allows Science to be thrusted into the future. It means that work is never complete which means it is a steady career for those who wish to pursue the sciences after GCSE'S. Science allows for the exciting possibility of future scientists inventing something far more elegant and revolutionary than Einstein's theory of general relativity.
On average, STEM graduates earn 20% more in their career in comparison to colleagues in other fields.
Remember, if someone discourages you from having an interest in STEM or the perusal of a technical career you know that:
-Girls can achieve
-Girls are intelligent
-Girls are intelligent
- and girls have the power to change the world with science
© Girlsin2STEM 2016
Engineering Summer schools(UK edition)
Taking part in STEM related activities and showing a general interest in STEM will not only enhance your CV but it will also make future applications to university shine.
EDT's Inspire Course
Who are these skills courses for?
Year 11 / S4 girls who want to learn new skills and get ahead in the sixth form – and beyond.
Year 11 / S4 girls who want to learn new skills and get ahead in the sixth form – and beyond.
Oxford's Engineering Preparation Summer School
A summer programme designed to introduce students aged 16-18 to Engineering
and help them apply to Engineering courses at UK universities.
and help them apply to Engineering courses at UK universities.
Engineering Summer School- Swansea University
We run a popular summer school every year designed for year 12 students who are thinking about applying to university. These are residential courses which give an insight into all our courses and help students decide whether an engineering degree is likely to be for them
Southampton University's Design Triathlon
The Design Triathlon is a residential course for Year 12 students interested in studying engineering at university. The Summer School will introduce students to the three areas of Ship Science, Aeronautics and Astronautics and Mechanical Engineering. Over four days, students will design and build a glider, a Greenpower car and a fastcraft for water as part of a team. Talks, workshops and seminars from staff and students in the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment provide insight into the wealth of careers and opportunities that an engineering degree can provide.
University of East Anglia Summer programme
Do you want a taste of university life next summer? Take part in exciting hands-on subject tasters, explore campus living by staying in university accommodation and meeting current students.
https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/info-for/young-people/post-16/university-tasters-enrichment/summer-schools
EDT's Headstart University taster residential
Are you a student who loves science, technology and maths (STEM) subjects and is currently in Year 12, Scottish S5? Are you thinking about what you might like to study at university, but find it difficult to make up your mind? Then read on and find out how a Headstart course might be able to help you!
Headstart has been established for more than 16 years as a charitable trust providing hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities and engineering taster courses to encourage young people into technology-based careers.
http://www.etrust.org.uk/headstart/whatisheadstart
http://www.etrust.org.uk/headstart/whatisheadstart
Corpus Christi STEM summer school
Corpus is pleased to host again a three-day residential summer school for Year 12 (or equivalent) women who are interested in mathematics, physics, chemistry or engineering and are planning on applying to a competitive university in autumn 2016. The event is aimed at encouraging women to study STEM subjects at university, and to give them advice on course choice and how best to prepare a competitive application. The summer school will run from 27-29 June 2016 at Corpus, with accommodation and meals provided free of charge.
For more details and application instructions please follow this link.
© Girlsin2STEM 2016
What is so fascinating about engineering?
What is so fascinating about engineering?
Engineering is all around us. It's about making a difference to the world. From the electronic devices we use and the cleverly engineered apps that assist us in our day to day lives, to the cars we drive, the buildings we live in and the food we consume. Engineers from all scopes are here to take on the challenges of the 21st Century.
Engineering opens up a world of discovery and creativity. There are engineers who work with satellites to monitor pollution so that they can protect our environment, others are genetically manipulating plants to produce food on a mass scale for the 795 million who need it. Some engineers are developing pharmaceuticals to combat life threatening diseases such as Cancer and HIV, making metal alloys to improve the efficiency of jet engines and providing renewable energy in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Engineering is powerful.
How can I become an engineer?
If you enjoy maths and science lessons at school and you wish to apply scientific and mathematical principles to your every day life then engineering is for you!
If you want to pursue a degree in engineering you should have a minimum of five GCSE's at A*-C(or 9-4) and three solid A-levels in Mathematics( compulsory for all engineering degrees), Science, Computing or Design and Technology. If you decide to endeavor the less traditionally academic route you could take a BTEC in level 3 Engineering, construction and the built environment or an NVQ in an appropriate subject.
Alternatively, many companies such as Rolls-Royce and Jaguar-LandRover are now offering post-16 Advanced apprenticeships(Level 3) where you are not only taught the key engineering principles but you have the chance to apply theory by working with cars, other vehicles and complex machinery.
Want to find out more?
Useful links
www.futuremorph.org
www.futuremorph.org
Extracurricular programmes/activities
Apprenticeships
© Girlsin2STEM 2016
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