While reading the article, The “Seductive Allure” of Neuroscience, a statement made by Leonard Sax resonated with me. Leonard Sax stated that the reasoning for which girls and boys performed differently in science and math is due to the educational system. Sax was basing his reasoning of the development of the female and male brain. Sax stated that the aspect of the brain responsible for the language and fine motor skills develop at six years old for females and four years old for males. I agree with one point made by Sax, the issue lies partially in the educational system, when students learn about the STEM field most of the famous successful STEM influencers and researchers that are presented are males. Not educating children equally about scientific advancements and research done by all genders limits students ability to see themselves in certain field of interest.
Teaching STEM to middle schooler, I know first hand that most student can not name a female STEM researchers and influencer, but can name several male STEM researchers and influencers. Students signing up for the coding program are usually male students, not many female students wanted to sign up. I personally believe that examples give to students matters, if you do not see someone who “looks like you” in an area of study you likely may never be encouraged or inspired to go into that field. Young children must have equal opportunities at seeing individuals of their gender, race, culture and ethnic when they learn about STEM so that each child has the ability to make the decision on whether it is a field of interest for them. It is within middle school that most girls move away from science and math and it is not because of their abilities it because of the way in which society has created a guided paths for what a person should be interested in based on their gender. If you are exposed to something more and have the resources to develop a specific skill more than it would make sense that those individuals would perform better on tasks testing those skills.
