Hey girls - how about some science?

Somewhere between dolls and dresses, the girls are losing their compasses and protractors.

Gender norming is nothing new. Sociologists have long known that boys grow up with trucks and dirt, and grow up to become mechanics and entomologists. Girls grow up with mini baby strollers and plastic kitchen sets, and later become nurses and teachers.

But as area high schools continue to expand their math and science programs, they are also trying to find ways to extend their programs to more girls. And according to this story on a New York Times blog, that challenge continues nationwide.

During Monday's meeting of the Mankato Area School Board, career education coordinator Monde Schwartz gave of an overview of the district's career education programs. Among them is a revolutionary engineering curriculum called Project Lead the Way that is rapidly becoming a staple of science-conscious high schools throughout Minnesota.

Mankato schools have offered Lead the Way for several years. The curriculum includes several classes, from introductory engineering concept courses to advanced design courses. For the first time next year, Mankato schools will be offering the highest-level Lead the Way class: Engineering Design and Development, in which students must solve a real-world engineering problem and submit their solution to a panel of outside reviewers.

Along with Lead the Way, the district also offers a nursing class (students can earn their state nursing assistant's certification) and a culinary arts class - both of which are largely attended by girls. But, Schwartz told the board, the district still wants to see more girls participating, especially in the district's engineering classes.

With the technology, science and engineering industries boasting most of the fastest-growing (and well-paying) careers in the world, there are plenty of opportunities for young women who are willing to take the leap into a boys' world.

For those interested, here some links for parents and students.

For young girls:
- Braincake: an online community where girls can solve science mysteries and share their stories
- Zoey's Room: another online community for science-savvy girls
- Whyville: an imaginative and interactive game-based science site for girls and boys
- Cool Math: math-related games and puzzles
- Animal Land: math and science games related to animals

For parents:
- Sally Ride Science: a primer on getting girls involved in science
- Girls Tech: a comprehensive list of science links and resources; a terrific web site for parents seeking healthy online activities for kids