Inspiring and Creating Interest in STEM for Children
DCC* Endorsed Employer for Women, Schneider Electric’s focus is on the future, not only in technology but also by investing in the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professionals. Inspiring curiosity and creating interest in STEM for children at an early age, especially young girls is crucial to combat outdated stereotypes about who can and should do what. A new study shows girls are affected by stereotypes by age 6. By making STEM activities outside of school fun and interesting, it engages children to do more than simply learn, by demonstrating the real-life possibilities STEM provides.
Collaborating with ROBOGALS
Robogals is a student-run organization that aims to increase female participation in engineering, science and technology through fun and educational initiatives aimed at girls in primary and secondary school. Teaming up with Robogals, Schneider Electric recently ran two workshops in their Melbourne office for Schneider’s Employees and Customers children aged 11-15 years. The workshops were designed to engage students in a range of engineering topics in a way that is fun and creative.
Working in pairs, the children constructed and programmed Lego NXT Mindstorm kits. This kit included a central CPU brick that is programmed using a simple, visual interface to use components such as light sensors, color sensors, sound sensors, motors, sound outputs and more. “Our goal is to spark a passion for these children to pursue a career in STEM by providing a hands-on lesson. The children had a lot of fun as did the younger sisters, brothers, mums and dads who were eagerly spectating, no doubt keen to get involved themselves!” Jenny Jagic, HR Business Partner Vic/TAS at Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric is a DCC* Endorsed Employer for Women. Read more about their company here.
*This article references Diversity City Careers or DCC. This is what WORK180 was known as when we first launched back in 2015. You can find out more about our story here.