Learning Goals

The backbone of each SciGirls episode is the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) that drive each project. We focus on the process of investigation and not always the end result. Every experiment isn't perfect, but each episode showcases important characteristics of a STEM project: teamwork, challenges, problem solving, freedom to express ideas and support along the way. We also model important science process skills as kids set out to: predict, observe, measure, classify, experiment, record, interpret, graph and communicate. These skills are at the heart of both the scientific and engineering design processes.

In addition, our entire approach to SciGirls—the TV show, the Web site, and our outreach and educational activities—is rooted in what research has revealed about how to engage girls in STEM. A quarter of a century of studies have converged on a set of common strategies that work, and these have become the foundation of SciGirls:

• Girls enjoy communication and collaboration in group settings.

  The social part of science—working and learning together—is of paramount importance to girls. They want the opportunity to talk about their ideas and consider all possibilities before digging into an activity.

• Girls look for projects that they find relevant and personally meaningful.

  Girls get motivated when they feel that what they are doing is important and can make a difference. Let girls be inspired by the role that science and engineering play in their own lives and in their communities.

• Girls value open-ended activities, investigations and projects.

  The SciGirls approach to exploration encourages imagination and invention. There are no penalties for failure on SciGirls; it's an accepted part of the scientific process.

• Girls appreciate that everyone learns differently and may express their ideas in unique ways.

  Discovery can begin in surprising places: a visit to the zoo, a walk in the park or even a ride on a roller coaster. SciGirls find science in everything they do and share their discoveries in personal ways: online, acting things out or making a scrapbook.

• Girls thrive on specific, positive feedback on their efforts.

  Self-confidence can make or break girls' interest in STEM. Encourage their efforts and compliment their strategies for problem solving. Let them know it's okay to struggle with concepts and make mistakes along the way—because all scientist and engineers do!

• Girls benefit from relationships with adult role models.

  Connecting with a professional scientist or engineer, whether in person or online, can inspire girls to pursue careers they may never have dreamed of. They can see themselves in the shoes of that accomplished individual and see the pathway that got them there.

• Girls appreciate when they are encouraged to think critically about science.

  How many famous female scientists can you list? Male scientists? Science and who can be a scientist or engineer has changed greatly over the years. Help girls appreciate that challenging the way we think about science--how it is done and who does it—is what has helped things move forward.