The Role Model Difference

Research shows that role models are important for expanding career options and introducing girls to STEM careers. While most young children, girls and boys, say that they like science, differences in confidence and interest in STEM begin to emerge in middle school. In high school, girls may enroll in as many advanced math and science courses as boys and perform just as well, but fewer high school girls pursue technical majors in college, particularly in engineering and computer science. Introducing girls to role models can change these outcomes.
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Incorporating the Stories of Women, People of Color, and LGBTQ+ Scientists Into the Physics Classroom 

• Short article from NSTA about the contributions of women, people of color, and other diverse scientists to the field of Physics. Includes a link to lesson plans that could be adapted for K9-12.​

Creating Connections with Role Models Guide

Incorporating Role Models

Learning about the World's Oceans

These activities can be used year-round to inspire conservation efforts:

• Curiosity Camp: How Can Coding Save Orca Whales? 
• ​​Curiosity Camp Activity Sheet: Whale Tail Bookmark
• Meet Gracie Ermi, a Research Software Engineer
• Mission Unstoppable: This Scientist Trains Sharks
• Mission Unstoppable: Saving Coral Reefs 
• Meet Shark Researcher, Vicky Vasquez​

Inspiring Future Generations

These assets are free profile videos and photos of the IF/THEN Ambassadors. They can be used to celebrate and inspire future generations:

• Curiosity Camp Activity Sheet: Can a Satellite Drop From the Sky Into Your Backyard?!
• Curiosity Camp Activity Sheet: DIY Model Satellite
• Curiosity Camp Activity Sheet: Solar Print Fabric
• Mission Unstoppable Activity: Is Lava Rock the Key to Building the First Mars Base?
• Mission Unstoppable Activity: Mission to Mars​

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and biologist, Dr. Claire Meaders, and can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

Dr. Claire Meaders Assets: 

• Ambassador Profile 
• Long Profile 
• Short Profile 1 

​These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and the Global Lead of Product Management at IBM, Anamita Guha. They can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conferences presentations.

Anamita Guha Assets:

• Long Profile Video
• Short Profile Video

These assets feature IF/THEN Ambassador and digital archaeologist, Samantha Porter. These can be used in marketing, presentations, social media, and for conference presentations. 

Samantha Porter Assets: 

• Long Profile Video
• On-the-Job Video

This Is What A Scientist Looks Like!

The IF/THEN Ambassadors Program is designed to further women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers.

Check it out!

IF/THEN Collection Video Tour

Mentor Challenge Blog Post

Family Engagement

Parents are vital players in raising youth’s awareness of the value of STEM and in brokering their participation in activities that build STEM competencies. For youth, family support plays a particularly important role in participation and retention in a STEM pathway! 

Engaging Families in Mathematics Education Toolkit

Community Math Night Facilitators’ Toolkit

Math Communities