With more focus put on ensuring children engage with and understand STEM, in particular girls, it can be tempting to try to completely push them into the topic but this can often alienate them more. As society moves more towards a high-tech model with plenty of opportunities to interact with new technology, now is the time to explore STEM with your kids.
Dr Jennifer Cleary, Dr of Biochemistry, Science communicator and TV presenter speaks to us about the importance of women in STEM and how to nurture your child's interest in science.
There has been a real emphasis in getting more girls involved in STEM - have you seen a change happening?
I have definitely. A lot of the shows I do have a lot of girls in the audience. They are clearly there because they want to be as they are engaged, asking questions and visibly interested. It is great to see girls with the confidence to get involved and ask questions about STEM.
How did you become involved in your industry?
I got into science communication during my PhD. I hated speaking in public and knew I had to get over this and so took some courses in UCD with some excellent Science Communicators. I started improving and then was asked to do Insiders for RTÉ and fell in love with science communication!
What's your favourite thing about your industry/job?
My favourite thing about my job is the ability to do science! I really love it in all its forms, whether it’s doing maths at a desk, experiments in a lab or teaching it, I just have a real passion for science.
How do you encourage kids to take part? Do you think they have a negative view of STEM before they meet you?
For me, it is important not to be intimidating and not to push them. But give them all as many chances as possible to come up and not just the more outgoing ones. I try to make sure everyone can have a turn, that is really important to me. I think their view on STEM really depends on the age group. A lot of younger children are very enthusiastic about it whereas teenagers/young adults can have a very different view on it. And it’s important to be aware of that and tailor the demonstration to the audience.
Why is it so important that there is a more diverse group of people in STEM?
I don’t think this is limited to just STEM. What area does not benefit from more diversity? Not only is it important for the future of science - we need lots of people from all walks of life that look at things differently. It is so important to have representation; it’s always encouraging to see someone that you can relate to in an area you want to be in.
Top tips for getting kids more involved in STEM?
Listen to them. Show them how broad an area STEM is. And keep encouraging their curiosity.
Arnotts continues to embrace all things education and learning with the return of their STEM event on Saturday 13th October from 10:30am. Dr Jennifer Cleary, expert science extraordinaire will be in-store performing at 12pm, 1:30pm and 3pm, while Dr Niamh Shaw will also be in-store on the day at 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm all taking place in the Childrenswear Deparment, Lower Ground Floor. For more information see www.arnotts.ie/stem
