My mission to empower girls in STEM gets wheels
We did not let the threats of the pandemic deprive our students of opportunities to grow and thrive
When I started Girls for STEM (GFS), I committed to a mission: to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where brilliant young girls are empowered to pursue their passion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Never mind that it remains to be a notoriously male-dominated field. After all, girls can love STEM and excel at it too!
We did not let the threats of the pandemic deprive our students of opportunities to grow and thrive in STEM. From hosting dynamic maths workshops, fun educational games, intriguing science showcases, to learning sessions for teachers and parents, the whole GFS community has been hard at work, building a safe space for these girls to truly embrace their love for maths and the sciences. Today, we have over 90 students from all over Metro Manila and Luzon taking part in our activities, and I’m at the edge of my seat with excitement just thinking about how many more girls we can reach and support in the months to come.
Girls For STEM would continue to empower girls across the country until all are given equal opportunities to answer their STEM calling. So this year, with everyone getting more accustomed to the realities of the new normal and restrictions gradually being lifted, I, along with the other members of our growing community, continue our mission, more relentlessly.
Maker space van
Girls For STEM recently launched our very own Maker+Space on Wheels, a van primarily designed to develop the maker mindset in female kids and teens.
Maker+Space on Wheels has started going around schools and communities and will continue to do so in the coming months. The primary target audience of the GFS Maker+Space are maths-gifted middle-school students, but we will eventually make the experience available to the rest of the middle-school population of the public schools we visit. Of course, this initiative would not have been possible without the support of my family, friends, teachers and amazing volunteers from different STEM professions.
By no means is the maker space a new concept. Although GFS’s Maker+Space on Wheels may be one of the first ones in the country, maker spaces have been a hot topic in education across different countries because of the benefits they provide to the learning process of students. These collaborative work spaces come in all shapes and sizes and generate a variety of experiences. I realized it’s a practice I wanted to adopt to further make Girls For STEM’s activities more enriching.
Hands-on experience
After months of planning, production and coordination, the engine of our maker space van is geared to go. From the vibrant, fresh and inviting surroundings to the unique, fun and exciting activities, GFS Maker+Space on Wheels strives to provide a hands-on experience unlike any other. I have always believed in the undeniable impact of learning by doing and creating something from nothing so this is an aspect we especially encourage wherever we go. Discovering the wonders and workings of the universe is fascinating. But STEM is so much more fun while getting your hands dirty with new projects and possibilities.
With Maker+Space on Wheels, we aim to further deepen the connection these middle-school girls have with STEM and its processes, as we empower them to unleash the creators and innovators within.
Maker+Space on Wheels also exposes students to a variety of innovative tools to help them bring their ideas to life! I opted to showcase some of the tools I’m particularly fond of, ones I know a lot of students would also enjoy exploring. Among these was the 3D printer I used to make over a thousand face shields for front liners at the Philippine General Hospital at the start of the pandemic. Other tools include the printed circuit board printer, telescope, laser cutter and infrared IC heater. Just looking at each one, I was already eager to see what the girls would come up with! And so, under the guidance and assistance of GFS volunteers, girls are able to use these tools to start their own experiments.
Tinkering with the tools
Within 10 minutes of arriving at one of the schools, students were already tinkering with the tools, attempting to 3D print a phone case accessory! It was amazing to witness such young minds deeply in touch with technology. Seeing their eyes filled with awe and amazement as the tools start to process the ideas they had in mind, no matter how simple, brings a warmth that fuels my dedication to continuously pursue our mission, a reminder that we’re on the right track.
I also enjoy watching these girls unlock the power of collaboration, building on each other’s ideas and coming together to turn them into something tangible. We engage them in problem-solving activities where they have to think critically and work together to present possible solutions for different situations.
Through these activities, we also try to cultivate skills that would prove to be essential as they continue to thrive in STEM. Some of these include flexibility, adaptability, communication and leadership. The Maker+Space on Wheels is also where they get to face and accept the simple fact that not all ideas work. Some succeed, while other ideas need more work and improvement. When it comes to hands-on experimentations, tests and evaluations conducted, students learn to accept failure in stride and grow from it. This is a significant part of the learning process that would have been quite challenging to instill elsewhere.
What began in small-scale tutorial classes meant to help out others with topics they may find confusing has transformed into a full-fledged program with a growing number of volunteers and participants. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude for everyone who continues to support and contribute to advancing female inclusivity in STEM.
Girls for STEM has certainly come a long way. In launching GFS Maker+Space on Wheels, we have accomplished another milestone. Who would have thought we would come as far as having our own maker space mobile roaming the streets of the country to reach more talented students? Certainly not me!
But now that we’re here, we’re well on our journey. We continue to brave the path ahead until all young STEM-inclined girls in the country are empowered to become the discoverer, creator, maker, innovator they dream to be.