Press Release
WASHINGTON — The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is collaborating with Howtosmile.org to encourage educators and parents to use a free collection of online science and math activities to make learning exciting for school-age children.
The University of California, Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) launched Howtosmile.org this fall. The activities — including downloadable lesson plans, field trip activities, how-to videos, and online interactive games — do not require registration or a subscription.
Howtosmile.org, funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the National Science Digital Library, brings together a consortium of science museums across the country to empower educators working with school-aged children in STEM.
"Howtosmile.org is an excellent tool that works hand-in-hand with AAUW's efforts to engage girls in STEM," said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE. "AAUW fosters rich relationships like this to further promote girls' education and representation in STEM."
"[Howtosmile.org is] a one-stop shop for out-of-school educators searching the web for excellent hands-on science and math activities," said Darrell Porcello, the director of the Center for Technology Innovation at LHS and project director of Howtosmile.org.
This collaboration is just the latest example of how AAUW is involved in the timely topic of engaging girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). AAUW's 2010 research report, Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, pointed to environmental and social barriers that block women's participation in STEM.
In addition, AAUW is a leader of the National Girls Collaborative Project, which connects organizations that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.
AAUW is one of a number of highly regarded organizations dedicated to STEM education supporting Howtosmile.org. Others include the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, The Bridge: Online Ocean Science Education Resource Center, the Center for Science and Industry, 4-H, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, the Perkins School for the Blind, TERC, and Twin Cities Public Television (Dragonfly TV).
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.
