Teaching Robotics at Robot-U
I worked part time teaching lego robotics for 3 years throughout highschool and my freshman year of college. I wrote the following essay about my experiences of gender in STEM education in 2016 as a part of my mechanical engineering department application.
Supporting Female Voices in the Engineering ClassroomI work for Robot-U teaching LEGO robotics summer camps and after school enrichment classes to elementary and middle school kids. I enjoy working with children and helping to promote STEM education. On my high school FRC team, I had the opportunity to run booths at some elementary science fairs and Paine Field's Aviation Day event each year. However, at Robot-U, I work more directly with children over a longer period of time. Here, have the time and means to answer student questions such as "what is a gearbox?" with "let's build one together and I can explain what is going on".
I am devoted to creating inclusive, educational and fun environments in STEM camps. In the 7th grade, I participated in a girls-only LEGO robotics camp (through a different company). It was a 2 week long camp-I came home upset every day. I felt as if they were simplifying things and assuming that I wouldn't understand the concepts that they were relating because I was a girl. Because of experiences like this, I rejected the stereotypes of my gender, cutting my hair short, adopting an androgynous look, and constantly trying to fit in with the many boys that surrounded me and shared my un-ladylike interests. I hope that girls in my class can feel smart, valued, and accepted in STEM while presenting however they want. I have helped to empower women in my camps and classes by ensuring that everyone has a chance to learn a variety of skills and participate. My experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating scientific communities which ensure that marginalized voices are heard and valued. |