Boys are better than girls in math.
It is a belief that has been perpetrated for generations and has become, for far too many of our girls, a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Yet as the gender roles in modern society continue to shift, we are seeing indicators the gender gap in math is closing, too. In countries where traditional roles persist most, that gap persists most, according to the latest research.
We are finally reaching the point where we realize that success in math, and its closest relation, science, are more a matter of attitude than aptitude. There is nothing about the Y chromosome that makes a boy superior where those subjects are concerned.
Just as we are often amused/horrified by the sexist attitudes we run across in old advertising of the 1940s and 1950s (“Christmas morning, she’ll be happier with a Hoover!” or a cookware ad proclaiming itself “A woman’s best friend!”), we will someday be equally perplexed that gender was ever considered part of the equation, if you’ll pardon the pun.
That day may come sooner rather than later as girls break away from those weary old stereotypes and move confidently into the fields of math and science.
That is why, here in Columbus, we are excited to see an excellent example of how breaking down those false barriers may be achieved.
Younger girls always look to older girls for direction and inspiration, and that is exactly what we are seeing this week at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Mary Lee, who will be a senior this fall at Mississippi School for Math and Science, with the help of five local volunteers, is conducting a summer camp for girls who will be in the third, fourth and fifth grades this fall. The “Bulldog Bytes Aspire IT Day Camp” teaches programming using “Snap!” programming language and Finch educational robots.
By using applied mathematics, girls are learning that math can be fun and practical. Solving equations is one thing; using math to move a robot around the room is quite another. Math is, after all, a skill to be developed. When girls discover that math can be fun, the battle is practically won.
Our world continues to change at what is, for many of us, an alarming pace and now more than ever technology is the fuel that shapes the future. The successful adults of tomorrow will be the children who are today embracing math and science today.
That half of those children should cling to the antiquated idea that “math is for boys” is really bad math.
We applaud Lee for her being a great role model for the 14 girls who are enrolled in this day camp.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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