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.
3-D Spatial Skills for Secondary Students (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Teaching Spatial Skills > Learn What Works
Dr. Sorby defines spatial skills and describes how they are used in everyday living, K-12 education, and professional careers. Related Media and Files: 3-D Spatial Skills for Secondary Students...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
3-D Spatial Skills for Secondary Students (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Teaching Spatial Skills > Learn What Works
Dr. Sheryl Sorby provides suggestions for teaching spatial skills. Related Files: 3-D Spatial Skils for Secondary Students (Part 1) (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 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Female Role Models > Learn What Works
Listen to Dr. Joshua Aronson describe what stereotype threat is and how it can impact academic achievement. Related Files: Stereotype Threat (Part 2) (Audio)
Resource Type
Expert Interview
The Growth Mindset (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Learn What Works
Dr. Carol Dweck describes how teachers can help girls develop a “growth” mindset. Related Files: The Growth Mindset (Part 1) (Video)
Resource Type
Expert Interview
The Nature of Prescriptive Feedback (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Prescriptive Feedback > Learn What Works
In this video Dr. Carol Dweck describes the research on the effects of prescriptive, informational feedback and provides some examples of such feedback. Related Files: The Nature of...
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
Hands-On Activities for 3-D Spatial Skills (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Teaching Spatial Skills > See How It Works
Watch this demonstration of 3-D drawing skills. Students learn how to use isometric grid paper. See related sample material, Isometric Grid Paper for Drawing 3-D Figures. Related Media and...
Resource Type
School Example
Hands-On Activities for 3-D Spatial Skills (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Teaching Spatial Skills > See How It Works
Watch this demonstration of 3-D drawing skills. The purpose of this demonstration is to visualize and draw a rotated three-dimensional object Related Media and Files: Hands-On Activities for...
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
