the fabfems project a cyberlearning community to connect females in the stem pipeline
TRANSCRIPT
The FabFems Project
A cyberlearning community to connect females in the STEM
pipeline
Welcome
Major Activities• Role model database• Cyberlearning platform• Program implementation via NGCP Collaboratives
Partners• National Girls Collaborative Project, EdLab Group• Platform Shoes Forum/dba Zoey’s Room• Smith College Summer Science and Engineering
ProgramFunded by The Motorola Foundation, Innovation Generation grant
Project Overview
Agenda
• Introduction and Overview• Platform Tools Tour• Project Benefits and Evaluation• Questions and Answers
FabFems.org
FabFems Profile
Platform Tools - zoeysroom.orgZoey’s Room ZR Portal
Tec Treks
Zoeysroom.org Tutorial
Benefits for Girls
• Connections to FabFems• Virtual peer group and FabFems
communication• Safe, moderated space• Post and blog on message board• Participate in STEM-centric challenges via
Tec-Treks
Science• 60% knew the definition of a “nanosponge.” • 58% knew the definition of “bunny suit” in terms of what scientists wear in lab rooms.• 65% knew the difference between toxic/not toxic chemical household products to the
environment.Technology•65% could identify a jpeg photo.•54% knew that DSL was the fastest mode of connection.•89% knew the correct definition of “www”.•71% knew the correct way to upload a digital image to a computer. Engineering•87% knew the definition of a robot.•70% knew what function robot sensors carry out.•70% knew what kind of tasks robots can perform that humans can’t. Math•89% knew the difference between short-term and long-term savings.•41% knew the correct formula for a person’s net worth (46% got it wrong).
Benchmark and Final Survey(100 members sampled)
• Access to online tools• Training and support for role model
resources• Build your network and contacts• Corporate connections• Quality program content
Benefits for Programs and Collaboratives
• Outreach• Soft skills practice• Community of STEM professionals• Opportunity to give back• Corporate employee engagement and
satisfaction
Benefits for FabFems
The FabFems Project Evaluation• Purpose – investigate implementation and
impact over two years of funding• Measuring outcomes
• Deliverables (websites, directory, curriculum)• FabFems• Girls
• Data collection• Surveys, observation, interviews, metrics
Contact and Support
General Questions: [email protected]
Grant Support: Laura Enman, Program Manager, EdLab Group [email protected]
Zoey’s Room Support: Kaley Stephens, Content Manager Liaison, Platform Shoes Forum
Questions?