Comments on: Science Cheerleaders

By: Donna Milgram

Donna Milgram — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:32:31 +0000

TColbert I think that is a GREAT poster for men and I love it! There’s a competitive history of men trying to “outman” each other, that doesn’t quite translate for women and girls (not a history of “outwomening”). I love it for the guys though, thanks for sharing!

By: Donna Milgram

Donna Milgram — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:29:29 +0000

Dianne I appreciate your sharing your internal process with us and it was exciting to see you shift! Let me know how science cheerleader is received by your students!

By: Dianne Purves

Dianne Purves — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:40:20 +0000

My first reaction to this post was somewhat negative, because I identify with the nerdy science girls and I harbor a one-sided view of cheerleaders as all being shallow and not very bright. However, like most stereotypes, this one is probably not fair, and certainly not true of ALL cheerleaders.
But, after thinking about it and visiting the science cheerleader website, I think it is a good thing. I have had many female students in my non-majors biology classes who DO see science and scientists as unsexy. At this age (most of my students are only a year or two out of high school) attracting boys is a high priority. Perhaps if I make them see that you don’t have to be unsexy to be a scientist, I will have more luck in “turning them to the dark side” and persuading non-majors to become STEM majors. Or at least convincing them that science can be interesting.

By: Donna Milgram

Donna Milgram — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:33:50 +0000

Olivia Thanks for sharing your own experience as a woman in a STEM field and a dance team member! I love that your being a member of the Centennette’s actually made STEM more interesting for the young women you were recruiting because it gave you a special status in your community. As Marlene says it’s all good!

By: TColbert

TColbert — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:31:48 +0000

While this poster may appeal to some, it might be more effective to create a poster for more. There is an excellent recruiting example in the poster put out by Oregon Center for Nursing: “Are You Man Enought to be a Nurse?” Check it out at http://www.oregoncenterfornursing.org/index.php?mode=postersandmore Perhaps creating a poster entitledm “Are you Woman Enough to be a Scientist?” would provide a universal draw.

By: darlingmarlene

darlingmarlene — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:01:15 +0000

Women shouldn’t have to apologize for being beautiful, or good at STEM (science/technology/engineering/math), or both! STEM will benefit from inclusivity, which allows us choices to be who we truly are, and to be the best we can be – it’s all good!

By: Olivia

Olivia — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:10:54 +0000

Donna
I LOVE the Science Cheerleaders! Thanks much for sharing the site. There has already been confirming research that many girls interested in STEM choose other careers because they perceive the roles as unfeminine. As Angelina points out, a little creativity can change that perception and make it fun.

I was on my high school’s dance team, Growing up in a predominately Black community, our dance teams of the 1960s-1970s were a lot like the professional sports team cheerleaders we see today. Most of my peers were surprised that a “smart girl” would not only have such an interest, but could make it through the tryouts for a spot on the team. Sharing this experience would always go over big whenever I returned to my alma mater to encourage kids to pursue STEM education. “You were a Centennette?! I loved that reaction and it always peaked the attention of the girls!

By: Donna Milgram

Donna Milgram — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:19:20 +0000

Angelina
I completely love that Hannah Montana episode and I have to tell you I was laughing aloud. I’m going to share it with the instructors participating in our online learning communities.

Thank you!
Donna

By: Angelina

Angelina — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 22:57:53 +0000

I love this post so much! I totally agree that STEM careers don’t have to be all professional and ‘nerdy’ all the time. I actually feel that cheerleading could help teach young girls not only about science but math, engineering and technology as well. I was a cheerleader for 3 years and coming from experience cheers and chants tend to be extremely catchy and I can never seem to get them out of my head. If you were to ask me to recite a cheer I learned 3 years ago at cheer camp I would most likely still remember it. With that said I feel that chants about science, math etc. can really help young girls learn. I’ve always felt that mixing fun with learning is always the best way to go. Another great example of mixing fun with learning is a Hanna Montana episode I watched years ago in which Miley had to find a way to study for her final test for chemistry. In the episode she had a hard time memorizing all the bone names and places so since she is a singer she came up with a bone song and dance which in the end helped her ace the test. Here is a link for the episode I’m talking about with the bone dance song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Waxf9KZWpM. I understand that the outfits may be somewhat revealing but an outfit doesn’t make the person. These science cheerleaders have a passion for dance and cheer, but they are also very successful which is very inspiring for the younger generation.