Women in STEM Extravaganza
It is crucial to inspire and support the inclusion of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and women in STEM fields. Data show that in 2020, the majority of STEM workers in the U.S. are white (69%); Blacks and Hispanics are grossly underrepresented, making up only 9% and 7% of STEM fields, respectively (Pew Research Center, 2018). Disparities are even greater among women: only 2.5% of women working in science and engineering fields are Black and 2.3% are Latina (Catalyst, 2020). In light of these issues, the USC Wonderkids Program strives to provide an inclusive model of how to support women in STEM and scientists of color at all levels of the program.
The Wonderkids’ student-leadership level boasts impressive marks–100% of the staff are female, and 66% identify as BIPOC, including two–new staffer Lindsay Huerta and veteran staffer Jasmin Sanchez–who grew up in the South Los Angeles community and attended the same elementary schools that host the Wonderkids program.
Wonderkids targets Kindergarten through fifth grade students; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like so many programs, our program was delivered online for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters. Student enrollment this semester (Spring 2021) is 60% female at the Kindergarten through second grade levels; and 50% at the third through fifth grade levels. This results in a majority of our participants being female, and 100% of students identify as BIPOC. Our speakers this semester were 100% female; 83% self-identified as BIPOC individuals.
Wonderkids (Spring 2021) Corresponding Topics and Speakers:
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Animal Science – Staci Wong, an educator from Aquarium of the Pacific. Students were introduced to Betty, an otter, and Sula, a red-footed booby
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Polar Science – Jocelyn Argueta, Web Producer, NASA JPL
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Dermatology/Surgery – Dr. Jessica So, Dermatologist
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Anatomy – Dr. Jamie Decker, Founder of Experience Anatomy
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Stem Cells – Tal Rosen, graduate student researcher at Keck, USC
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Space – Dr. Sian Proctor, Geoscience expert, Analog Astronaut, Astronaut for SpaceX Inspiration4 Crew & Janet Ivey, Creator and CEO of Janet’s Planet, Inc.
The Animal Science Unit focused on habitats and adaptations. Students eagerly matched animals to their respective habitats from all around the world, then created animal themed murals with their results. The corresponding speaker, Staci Wong, from the Aquarium of the Pacific, introduced both an otter and a sea bird to thrill the students.
The Polar Science Unit discussed penguins. Students created penguin models to pose with, along with the speaker, Jocelyn Argueta, and her penguin counterpart, Ben. Argueta described her work in Antarctica with PolarTREC (Teachers & Researchers Educating and Collaborating) and the National Atmospheric and Space Administration (NASA)’s Project Icebridge.
The Dermatology Unit informed students about how to protect their skin from harmful sun rays; it included a scavenger hunt around their homes to discover simple items that could protect their skin from sun damage. Their speaker, Dr. Jessica So, aka “The Breakfasteur,” performed a playdough surgery that demonstrated how various skin lesions and cancers were excised.
During the Anatomy Unit, students created their own “anatomically correct” person with Q-tips for bones and playdough for organs. The speaker, Jamie Decker, who works with Experience Anatomy, showcased real life organs.
The Stem Cell Unit included students discussing and recreating the transformation of stem cells into varying types of cells utilizing playdough. Speaker, Tal Rosen, spoke about her stem cell research and did a “day in the life of a scientist”.
3, 2, 1→ BLAST-OFF! During our space week, students tested out ways to eat in zero gravity. Students used their imagination and creativity to figure out ways to keep food on a plate in an environment where everything floats. Our speakers for space week were Dr. Sian Proctor and Dr. Janet Ivey. Dr. Proctor, a geoscientist, explorer, space artist, and science communication specialist with a passion for space exploration, has completed four analog missions, including an all female mission. She was also chosen to go to space as an astronaut this fall with SpaceX’s Inspiration4 Crew. Our other space speaker, Janet Ivey, is the Creator and CEO of Janet’s Planet, Inc. and showed students all about lunar landings.
The impact on the students has not gone unnoticed by their families. One parent remarked “The Wonderkids Program has grasped my son’s curiosity and taught him to use science to solve problems.” – Heather M. (Mason M’s Mom). Another parent, Patricia P. said “I cannot express how I feel about WonderKids. I have two daughters Nicole and Sophia in WonderKids. Their confidence and self-esteem has increased tremendously. They always look forward to every class. The teachers validate their opinions and creativity.” Lastly, Zoe-Marie R.’s mom Jodie Y. said “the WonderKids class has been a unique experience among virtual classes for my daughter in Kindergarten. She looks forward to her science class that challenges her mind beyond what I, as her mother, thought she was capable of. The class structure allows for personal attention and small groups that keeps her engaged and excited.”
Wonderkids covered a wide variety of STEM fields this semester! Thanks to the generosity of the USC Good Neighbors Campaign, this year’s Wonderkids program was fully funded.