How About Math Games for Girls?
The Science Journal’s July 25th article titled “Gender Similarities Characterize Math Performance” stated that US standardized test now show equality in math test scores between boys and girls. Can we now put all opinions stating the contrary to rest now? Hopefully, however we must acknowledge that we have a long way to go in terms of getting more females into traditionally male dominated careers such as engineering and science.
The first step is to help girls stay interested in math and science well into high school. One possible opportunity to do so is with educational games focused on girls. Educational games could help reinforce math concepts in an environment where girls can engage, discuss and explore math and science concepts with other girls who have similar interests. Too often math and science concepts are presented in a context that favors the interests of boys more than girls. Math games that appeal to the interest of girls could help keep them engaged and interested in math.
In general, to keep girls interested in math and science we need to focus on creating a learning environment that lets them explore and apply these concepts in a manner that is fun, safe and engaging.
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Tags: Education, gender, girls, math, science, virtual worlds