1.
GADGET GIRLS AND THE
REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN STEM
Ronnie Shashoua

2.
VEX ROBOTICS
 Robotics competition and educational program
 Standardized parts and sizes
 Easily taught to beginners

3.
WOMEN IN STEM
 Computer sciences in university – 17.9%
 Engineering in university – 19.3%
 Underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minority groups (<10%)
Source: NationalGirls Collaborative Project
 More encouragement needed at younger ages

4.
SOLUTION
 The importance of providing access to technological learning in the community
 Modeled off of Math Circles
 Cooperation with HPCC Systems® and the
Girl Scouts

5.
PROCESS
 Creation of curriculum
 Fun but functional
 Obtaining equipment
 Funded by HPCC Systems
 Metal, screws, computer, etc.

6.
SESSION ONE
 Spark interest
 Interactive but informative activities
 Explanation of basics
 How do robots think?

7.
SESSIONTWO
 Bulk of the intense work
 Hands on
 Teamwork and communication
 Finish robots and project

8.
POSSIBLE SESSIONTHREE
 Goals:
 Finish builds
 Programming
 Presentation and communication of ideas

9.
AVAILABILITY
 Robotics checkout kit
 Availability of resources in the community
 NSUAlvin Sherman Library as hub of resources

10.
FUTURE GOALS
 Expansion
 More audiences
 Longer program
 Outreach
 Run program through public schools
 Boys and Girls Club

11.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS
 Email:
 ronnie.shashoua@gmail.com
 NSU University School

12.
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