The M.I.N.D. Initiative
MIND, or Math Inspiring New Dreams, is a multi-faceted approach to girls’ empowerment in math. The MIND Festival is a mentorship program that will approach girls’ math education from all sides. Our festival provides positive reinforcement for girls who enjoy math, and inspiration and encouragement for girls who doubt their math potential. It dispels deconstructive stereotypes about girls’ math abilities, and provides a forum for girls to express themselves without fear of judgement. If we can reach these girls and tell them about their potential, then the earlier the better. In West Salem, there are 5 public elementary schools and 2 public middle schools that feed into West Salem High School, so the location is ideal for connecting academically with a range of students.
The MIND Festival is structured using four key components. The first component is a math club for girls at Straub Middle School, where we aim to increase our members’ confidence in math and introduce them to the many ways math can be used in future careers. The second component is two peer-teaching days at a local West Salem elementary school, where the Straub math club and WSHS facilitators will spend time with classes exploring the importance of math through different activities and games. The third component is a seminar for elementary, middle and high school math teachers, where guest speakers will discuss current issues that women face in the STEM fields and how to better teach math so that girls will pursue it. The fourth and final component is a celebration for the math club girls and their parents, which will occur in March 2016.
The MIND Festival is structured using four key components. The first component is a math club for girls at Straub Middle School, where we aim to increase our members’ confidence in math and introduce them to the many ways math can be used in future careers. The second component is two peer-teaching days at a local West Salem elementary school, where the Straub math club and WSHS facilitators will spend time with classes exploring the importance of math through different activities and games. The third component is a seminar for elementary, middle and high school math teachers, where guest speakers will discuss current issues that women face in the STEM fields and how to better teach math so that girls will pursue it. The fourth and final component is a celebration for the math club girls and their parents, which will occur in March 2016.
Getting Involved
Now, time to help!
Teachers: Remember that girls are just as good at math and science as boys. They can do anything if they put their mind to it.
Parents: You should also remember that your daughters are just as good at math and science as your sons. If they decide they want to do something, it is always best to support them on it. When your daughters come home after school with math homework or science homework and need some help, make time to help them. Maybe that means they can talk with you about it while you make dinner, or talk in the car on the way somewhere. Any little help will work. Even if it is just an encouraging word or two, they'll appreciate it.
High School Students: Join M.I.N.D.! The planning club meets every Monday at 3:00, with every other Monday heading down to Straub Middle School to help the middle school girls. The club needs new members or help of any kind. If you can not come every Monday, that is just fine, you can contact any member of the club for other ways you can help. We meet in Mr. Adam's room in room B107.
Middle School Students: Join the after school program M.I.N.D club at Straub Middle School!
Teachers: Remember that girls are just as good at math and science as boys. They can do anything if they put their mind to it.
Parents: You should also remember that your daughters are just as good at math and science as your sons. If they decide they want to do something, it is always best to support them on it. When your daughters come home after school with math homework or science homework and need some help, make time to help them. Maybe that means they can talk with you about it while you make dinner, or talk in the car on the way somewhere. Any little help will work. Even if it is just an encouraging word or two, they'll appreciate it.
High School Students: Join M.I.N.D.! The planning club meets every Monday at 3:00, with every other Monday heading down to Straub Middle School to help the middle school girls. The club needs new members or help of any kind. If you can not come every Monday, that is just fine, you can contact any member of the club for other ways you can help. We meet in Mr. Adam's room in room B107.
Middle School Students: Join the after school program M.I.N.D club at Straub Middle School!