The 21st century has brought an increasing demand for expertise in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Although strides have been made towards increasing gender diversity in several of these disciplines, engineering remains primarily male dominated. In response, the U.S. educational system has attempted to make engineering…

In the past, science textbooks have been the target of criticism of science educators in studies of sex bias in the past. The purpose of this study was to examine the illustrations in the biology textbooks most commonly used in high schools in the United States. Seven textbooks were examined for their representation of women in illustrations of…

Although women comprise the majority of the population, fewer than 9 percent are employed as scientists and engineers. Research indicates that girls have poorer attitudes toward science, enroll less often in science courses, demonstrate lower achievement levels in science, and have fewer experiences with science materials or instruments. Among the…

Describes a study in which middle school/junior high school students were exposed to women science career role models as a part of their science instruction. Results indicated that the student's attitudes toward scientists and women in science were positively affected. (TW)

Girls and women live in a world that offers greater choices and opportunities than ever before. However, despite these expanded options, choices to enter into courses of study in mathematics and science are being ignored by many. This limits their understanding, enjoyment, and employment in these fields. This document is designed to help Girl…

In order to interest women and minorities in science and teaching, a proposal by the Science Academy of Austin, Texas specifically recommended recruiting high school minority and female students as future science teachers, providing elementary students with opportunities to experience science, and increasing the number of women and minorities in…

The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the possible relationships among children's extracurricular toy-playing habits, sex-role orientations, spatial abilities, and science achievement. Data were gathered from 282 Midwestern, suburban, fifth-grade students. It was found that boys had significantly higher spatial skills than girls.…

This document is a "methodological annex" to volume I of the Women in Science and Technology in Australia (WISTA) final research report. The 10 discussion papers that make up this document deal with the 10 core factors of influence that formed one main axis of the study's theoretical framework for inquiry. A diagram illustrates this…

Presents findings that young secondary students have stereotyped ideas about the appropriateness of certain careers for men and women. Indicates that careers such as pilot, engine mechanic, electrician, and computer technician are viewed by all students as more suitable for males. Considers the consequences of these results relative to the…

Analyses relationship between gender and confidence in science. Argues that, as women form larger part of labor force and tax base, scientific fields must seek to increase women's generally lower levels of confidence in science. Reports no change in trend of confidence in science between 1973 and 1989, but shows significant and widening gap…

Four hundred forty six female university students who had completed at least five courses were tested for self-schemas in math/science ability. One hundred eighty-four of the women had taken or were taking more than the required one basic math or science course. It was found that 35.0% of the women in the sample could be classified as having a…

Analyzed are 21 environmental stories published for children by national and regional environmental organizations. Findings indicate that, although these stories are in compliance with suggested environmental attitudes for children, they also conform to conventional sex role behavior in Arab States. (Author/CW)

Faced with a shortage of skilled personnel in certain branches of engineering towards the end of the seventies, the Engineering Industry Training Board (United Kingdom) launched initiatives to recruit 16-year-old girls into technician training and to interest girls following "A" level courses in physics and mathematics in a career of…

Details findings of research into 17-year-old students' consideration of science-based social issues. Reports that, although sex-based differences appeared in both student questionnaire and discussion responses, differences were far fewer in the discussions. Argues that social factors blur sex differences, making discussion a valuable learning…

Reports on a study of preference for 9 curriculum subjects by 93 British middle school students. Finds significant gender differences in the rankings of English and humanities courses, which were preferred by girls, and of physical education and science, which were preferred by boys. (CFR)