Women, Science and Technology Chair
About this good practice
Activities:
1.‘I want to be a scientist’. Theatre and award.
Aimed at primary school (6-12 years)
A group of female professors and researchers from the University perform in the role of recognised scientists. The play seeks to make models visible so that girls can identify with and be inspired by them to increase their interest in S&T as the researchers themselves will bring these historical figures to life.
The theatre is complemented by a competition in which it is needed to research on a woman scientist or her inventions and present this in a free format (drawing, video, document...).
Finally, materials suitable for primary education on women in S&T have been developed and can be consulted, such as a virtual escape room and educational guides.
2.Stem project
Aimed at secondary school (13-17 years old)
Mentoring programs in secondary schools to promote scientific vocations. Mentors are 16 female students, doctoral students and researchers who go to schools and give practical workshops or talks.
3.Women, Science and Technology Chair Poster Competition.
Aimed at women university studies (+ 18)
Awards for Bachelor's Degree Final Project and Master's Thesis presented in a poster, coming from studies related to science or tech.
4.Dissemination activities are organised, such as S&T week, highlighting women of reference (entrepreneurs, managers), videos about young female engineers and discussions among scientist to break down steretoypes, science workshops with families, etc.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
60.000 euros/year for material and external costs.
High dedication of staff. 16 people involved in the theatre and 16 mentors for the science workshops.
Evidence of success
The theatre play ‘I want to be a scientist´ is performed about 15 times a year and is always sold out. In total 10.000 children from 70 different schools have attended it. The competition related to the theatre has more than 300 works presented in 5 editions.
Stem project has been running for 5 years, with 1.400 young people participating every year
5 editions of poster competition have been organised with 60 students from engineering degrees. Posters have been displayed for the general public.
Potential for learning or transfer
The reality in many regions is similar to Navarre, where the percentage of girls in Stem professions is much lower than in the case of boys. This contributes to a high level of gender inequality in many professions, which is why it is essential to work on this issue.
This practice can be considered a success for several reasons:
• There are activities for all age groups, but it is especially important to work with girls in primary school when people's interests for one sector or another are often forged.
• It is innovative and attractive as an activity for schools. They also mix science and art.
• It involves real women scientists, who themselves exemplify what they are disseminating .
