It's easy to say that in order to close the gender gap in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we must change the culture to normalize girls' participation in and enthusiasm for math and science. But how? My friend and colleague Bill, who on the weekend doubles as a kids music DJ on our local radio station, has come up with a creative contribution to that project. He has produced a kids-music CD called Science Fair, featuring female musicians singing about science and the importance of science education for girls. I was lucky to receive an advanced copy, which I promptly sent to my 7-month old niece. You can pre-order a copy for the budding scientist in your life. Proceeds benefit Girls' Inc. and their work to promote science education.
Relatedly, Bill blogged today about the inspiration provided by his mother for this project. She began her career as an engineer in the 1960s, and Bill got her to tell her own story of sex discrimination and the fight for sex equality. It's a story that fits in very well with all the Title IX reflection that's going on this week, so I thought I'd share that here as well.
