{Sponsored} This year, my son entered a device-based learning program at his school. The convergence of education and technology is growing, and with the guidance of his teacher, he has uncovered a whole new world of learning where he is experiencing math and science in ways not easily matched with the traditional classroom teaching-style. Computer science is just one of the disciplines with renewed and fervent emphasis through modern curricula because the skills and knowledge attained have classroom and real-world application.
One of the things that I really strongly believe in is that we need to have more girls interested in math, science, and engineering. We’ve got half the population that is way underrepresented in those fields and that means that we’ve got a whole bunch of talent…not being encouraged the way they need to
– President Barack Obama
Schools throughout the country are focusing their curricula on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in order to better prepare high school graduates for college and the workforce. Traditionally, these disciplines have been male-centric, however, there is a modern movement to engage girls in STEM, facilitating an environment that cultivates the development of their knowledge and skills.
One engaging way to excite girls about STEM is through play. Three years ago, GoldieBlox founder Debbie Sterling sought to create a solution to the disproportionate number of males in science, technology, engineering and math when compared to females. Her research concluded that girls lose interest in these disciplines as early as 8 years old, further contributing to the disparity. Intent on “disrupting the pink aisle,” Sterling introduced GoldieBlox, a construction kit that includes a storybook and an inventor action figure who serves as a role model for young girls.
The action figure dolls are relatively new and feature articulated shoulders, hips, knees and joints to simulate realistic human movements. Each kit also includes a construction kit which teaches kids how to build everything from a zip line to a dunk tank. Even the look of GoldieBlox action figures was purposeful and Sterling opted for smart and relatable as opposed to simply pretty.
One of my favorite aspects of these kits is the building component and underlying educational value. My daughter had to learn to build her action figure’s zip line, which requires spatial skills and problem solving and introduces kids to basic engineering principles like suspension. As I was helping her put up the zip line, we talked about how the position of the zipline would affect our action figure’s speed and ability to stay on the zipline.
Through these toys, Sterling hopes that girls will begin to build, gain confidence in their skills, and be inspired to at least explore STEM, specifically engineering. The story books build on girls’ strong verbal skills while the kits help develop an early interest in these disciplines. You can view the GoldieBlox collection by visiting Walmart.com.
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