Girls in Math & Science
Explore resources designed to support girls' success in math and science. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
- Ability is Expandable
- Prescriptive Feedback
- Female Role Models
- Sparking Curiosity
- Teaching Spatial Skills
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Encouraging Girls in Math and Science.
The Growth Mindset (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Learn What Works
Dr. Carol Dweck describes the “growth” versus “fixed” mindset and implications for girls learning math and science. Related Files: The Growth Mindset (Part 2) (Video)
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Instructional Methods That Spark Curiosity (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Sparking Curiosity > Learn What Works
Dr. Jon Star discusses interest as a development process. Instructional activities that may spark children's curiosity can be the basis for a sustained individual interest later in...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Stereotype Threat (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Female Role Models > Learn What Works
In this interview, Dr. Joshua Aronson describes how to reduce stereotype threat by introducing students to role models and emphasizing gender similarities, rather than gender differences. Related...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Visual Diagram: Encouraging Girls in Math and Science
Girls in Math & Science > Overview & Tools
This graphical illustration is a reminder of the five interrelated research-based practices embodied in media and materials on this website. These practices aim to increase academic self-esteem,...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
Science Activities That Engage Girls
Girls in Math & Science > Sparking Curiosity > See How It Works
Four science teachers discuss nontraditional instruction and innovative project ideas. Girls learn to connect science concepts to everyday experiences and topics of interest to them. Related...
Resource Type
School Example
Careers in Science
Girls in Math & Science > Sparking Curiosity > See How It Works
Students present about a career in science, technology, or engineering. The presentation includes job responsibilities and what they liked about the job. Also see the four related "career brochure"...
Resource Type
School Example
Female Role Models in Junior High
Girls in Math & Science > Female Role Models > See How It Works
A junior high school science teacher discusses programs implemented at the school with emphasis on female role models. Tutors, mentors, and guest speakers are part of the programs to encourage...
Resource Type
School Example
Schoolwide Support for Girls
Girls in Math & Science > Female Role Models > See How It Works
The principal of Clarke N. Johnsen Junior High School describes how the school supports science teachers as role models for students. The school brings guest speakers to the school and encourages...
Resource Type
School Example
Encouraging Effort Through Feedback
Girls in Math & Science > Prescriptive Feedback > See How It Works
A sixth-grade math teacher describes how she praises students and corrects misunderstandings. Using individual and group feedback, the teacher addresses student frustration and communicates to...
Resource Type
School Example
Students’ Essays: I Want to Be Like Her
Girls in Math & Science > Female Role Models > See How It Works
Look at five winning essays from the 2007 essay competition “I Want to Be Like Her.” Middle and high school students read biographies of female scientists and engineers and write an essay...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Career Brochure: Environmental Engineering
Girls in Math & Science > Sparking Curiosity > See How It Works
In this brochure, a junior high school student describes the job of environmental engineers, the tasks involved and education required. She also highlights the benefits of the job and the appeal of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Career Brochure: Telecommunications Technician
Girls in Math & Science > Sparking Curiosity > See How It Works
In this brochure, a junior high school student describes the job of environmental engineers, the tasks involved and education required. She also highlights the benefits of the job and the appeal of...
Resource Type
Sample Material
