{"id":4137,"date":"2021-11-10T23:57:43","date_gmt":"2021-11-11T04:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/edt431-531\/?p=4137"},"modified":"2023-01-27T16:37:38","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T21:37:38","slug":"equity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.miamioh.edu\/exemplary-science-teaching\/2021\/11\/equity\/","title":{"rendered":"STEM is for Everyone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Gender<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Science is the pursuit of knowledge of the natural world through observation and experiment. It is rooted in the fundamental human desire of discovery and curiosity. This desire to know, to question, and discover is common to all of humanity. Every child, regardless of race or gender, always constantly ask one simple question: why? If this desire is so basic to all people everywhere, why then do we see only a select group of people actually doing science as a career. Statistically, white men dominate occupations within science, technology, and engineering. Women and people of color are vastly underrepresented, which is extremely disappointing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Women,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This graphic breaks down the percentages of certain groups in science and engineering occupations compared to their national percentages. It shows that even though white men only make up 31% of the United States population, they take up 49% of science and engineering occupations. They are clearly very overrepresented. On the other end, white women are vastly underrepresented. They also make up 31% of the United States population, however they only take up 49% of the Science and Engineering occupations. This discrepancy is staggering. Minorities, such as Black and Latino, are also very underrepresented regardless of gender. This graphic clearly shows that something systematic is taking place to discourage women and people of color from pursing a career in the STEM field. In order to find solutions to the problem, we must first understand the root causes of this issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Role<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Causes to the Problem<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women and minorities often do not feel welcome or encouraged in the STEM field. Throughout their schooling experience, they have received subtle comments and micro-messages conveying that they are not expected to pursue a degree or career in STEM. This often builds up over time, and becomes internalized by these people. They are less likely to take difficult science classes, and less likely to try hard in these science classes. This is because they naturally think they are not well adept at these skills, or they automatically a discount a career in this field. If they make it through high school and enjoy STEM, telling other people they are looking to find a career in STEM after college is usually met with shock. They are constantly made to feel like they do not belong in this field. The statistics show this is true for women and minorities who successfully start a career in STEM. These people are much more likely to leave their careers than their white male counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Women,<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This graphic confirms what we already know. Women and minorities do not feel welcome in the STEM field. What is most upsetting is that these statistics are for those that choose to leave. This means they have already successfully secured a position in STEM. They have overcome so many barriers, and clearly are very motivated to attain this position. But despite all their hard-work, they are made to feel so out of place that their only option is to leave the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We need to encourage young girls and people of color to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math! Everyone will benefit! #STEM<\/a> #WomenInSTEM<\/a> @NSTA<\/a> @EDUTOPIA<\/a><\/p>— Nathan Bantz (@BantzDoScience) November 11, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote>