There are many studies related to gender representation in science textbooks. However, less attention has been paid to the ways in which physics textbooks portray women: how women are situated in occupations or works, laboratory activities, and achievements, or to their characters in relation to women's stuff. This textual analysis aims to fill…

Emily Martin's ("Signs J Women Cult Soc" 16(31):485-501, 1991) article, "The Egg and the Sperm: How Science Has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles," was published in "Signs" over 20 years ago. In this groundbreaking article, she discusses how gender roles are often projected onto…

This study of students competing in the 2009 Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair investigates the role gender played in students' participation, choice of science field, award of prizes, and mentioning inspiring teachers. Females made up 62 percent of the participants and were more likely to enter projects in biology and in…

This study investigated the potential influence of female science teachers as sex role models for eighth-grade girls' science and engineering (SE) career interests. Subjects were 30 eighth-grade science teachers (14 men and 16 women) and their 1,937 eighth-grade students (992 girls and 945 boys). Using an SE career interest survey (CIS) developed…

This study sought to determine: (1) whether eighth-grade science teachers serve as sex role models and therefore enhance eighth-grade students' science and engineering (SE) career interests; and (2) if the SE career interests of eighth-grade girls are related to the sex and selected teacher effectiveness characteristics of their eighth-grade…

Based on the proceedings of a workshop prompted by a study of science education in Canada conducted by the Science Council of Canada, this document examines the relationship between girls and science education. The workshop addressed three major questions: (1) To what extent are girls in Canadian schools avoiding the study of science? (2) What…

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…

Examines social influences which discourage women from pursuing studies in computer science, including monopoly of computer time by boys at the high school level, sexual harassment in college, movies, and computer games. Describes some initial efforts to encourage females of all ages to study computer science. (JM)

In the past, science textbooks have been the target of criticism by educators and feminists in studies of sex bias in education. The purpose of this study was to develop a useful tool that could be used in formative or summative evaluation of the level of sexism in science textbooks and as a research tool to study the effect of sexist…

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…

Presented is a study reporting the findings relevant to the amount of variation of eleventh- and twelfth-grade students in taking science courses. The findings are reported in terms of ability level (I.Q. scores), socio-economic status (father's occupation), eighth-grade academic grade-point average, and specific science grade in the eighth grade.…

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)

Investigated relationships of mathematics/science achievement, science self-concept, and sex to science career preferences of Black male (N=113) and female (N=148) junior high school students. Findings suggest that early adolescent science career preferences are related more to interests consonant with sex-role considerations than realistic…

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…