A New Challenge for Teachers: Encouraging Girls in Science, Math and IT Related Studies and Careers©

Written by Valerie Giles


Continued from page 1

So what factors are discouraging girls from excelling in math, science and computer science studies in high school? Research has shown a number of different issues that need to be addressed. They believe that girls are not presented with adequate information about science-related career opportunities and their prerequisites, and that high school counselors often do not encourage further courses in math and science. In addition, texts,repparttar media and many adults often project sex-stereotyped views of science and scientists.

A lack of development of spatial ability skills may also be an issue, which could be fostered in shop and mechanical drawing classes. Girls also have fewer experiences with science activities and equipment, which are often stereotyped as being masculine.

In order to encourage girls inrepparttar 144434 pursuit of math and science, teachers are encouraged to maintain well-equipped, organized and perceptually stimulating classrooms, use non-sexist language and examples, include information on women scientists and stress creatively and basic skills and provide career information.

In addition, math and science teachers should use laboratories, discussions and weekly quizzes as their primary modes of instruction or teaching strategies and supplement those activities with field trips and guest speakers. If possible, teachers should also encourage parental involvement.

Studies have also shown that teachers, both male and female, who were successful in motivating girls to continue to study science, practiced what is called "directed intervention". They asked girls to assist with demonstrations, which required these students to perform and not merely record, inrepparttar 144435 laboratories, and in science-related fieldtrips.

When it comes to computer science studies, a similar approach can be taken. Although these studies do involved math, programming and technical issues, computer science educators need to be aware that working with computers involves much more than that. It also requires fully developed verbal and interpersonal skills - an area in which girls tend to excel at.

In order to attract more girls torepparttar 144436 study, teachers should concentrate on applications and not just on math or programming. That's because girls generally don't get as excited about computers for their gadget value, as boys do. Instead, girls become more interested and engaged when technology is discussed in terms of it's usefulness for problem solving.

Computer science educators should also impart to girlsrepparttar 144437 important need for women inrepparttar 144438 industry and outline more career options. For example, jobs are not just limited to programming; individuals are needed to help solve business problems with technology solutions. The industry itself is focused on solving problems, and developing solutions to help business continue to grow.

Conclusion:

By introducing science, math and computer science in a positive manner to girls in all levels of education, we may be able to turnrepparttar 144439 tide and see more and more women choose careers in these important fields. If we truly believe children are our future, now isrepparttar 144440 time to ensure that they have a place inrepparttar 144441 future we have created.



Valerie Giles owns and operates Cyber-Prof: Teacher Resource Site an educational web site that specializes in resources for school and teacher supplies , teaching strategies, educational games, classroom technology and home schooling. http://www.cyber-prof.com


Medieval Siege Weaponry: Castle Walls Beware by MCSW Webmaster

Written by MCSW Webmaster


Continued from page 1

The battering ram, for example, has been used throughrepparttar ages and still is employed by modern law enforcement.

This version of medieval siege weaponry involvedrepparttar 144364 creation of a very heavy weight placed on wheels used to help batter fortifications. It was usually made of a large tree trunk, and sometimes rather than wheels, a group of warriors or a sling frame helped providerepparttar 144365 force necessary to crack fortifications using this simple, yet effective, example of medieval siege weaponry.

Other items inrepparttar 144366 medieval siege weaponry arsenal included ladders and not-so-simple siege towers. Ladders were employed simply to scale castle walls. Ifrepparttar 144367 defenses stopped this measure, siege towers might be built to allow archers clear lines of attack to enemies standing on castle walls.

As far as medieval siege weaponry is concerned, siege towers were somewhat difficult due to their cumbersome nature. Towers were rectangular and often constructed on four wheels. They were as tall asrepparttar 144368 castle walls or taller and were designed to protect archers, warriors and ladders as an army advanced. The downfall of siege towers inrepparttar 144369 long line of medieval siege weaponry, however, was their size andrepparttar 144370 propensity ofrepparttar 144371 defending army to hurl projectiles at them.

The examples of medieval siege weaponry vary greatly, but whatever their design they all had one purpose – to deliver an army to victory.

For more medieval siege weapons information, including how to build a catapult, visit http://www.medieval-castle-siege-weapons.com/index.html

The MCSW Webmaster is responsible for adding new information to http://www.medieval-castle-siege-weapons.com


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