Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers

PD Webinar Series, August 16, 2022, 6:00 pm CT

Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers

“What problems do you want to solve?" Where does science happen?” As science learning becomes more advanced, students start to explore how their own identity connects with the time spent in the classroom. Students may start to question how and why STEM is meaningful to them. Bringing diverse and modern role models who work in STEM and are solving real-world problems like plastic pollution, energy usage, or fast fashion is one strategy to help establish these connections. Students can begin to see themselves or careers that are making a difference. How do you find role models that are relevant to classroom learning and who reflect the cultural diversity of our communities?

Award-winning children's book authors and educators of the Everyday Superheroes book series, Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneideman will share ideas, resources, and role models to connect your classroom lessons to STEM careers. In this session you will explore: Finding modern-day STEM role models from online databases & resources. Sharing the STEM careers that relate to standards such as: Battery Scientist, Textile Engineer, Vertical Farmer, and Materials Scientist and more! Research on the importance of STEM role models for student interest, confidence and identification in STEM. 

Erin Twamley is an award-winning children’s book author, educator (MEd), STEMinist, and lifetime Girl Scout. She is a former energy education specialist at the Department of Energy, where she led energy literacy efforts for teachers and students. Erin loves to read to her two kids and has lived on three continents. You will find her leading hands-on encounters in Huntsville, AL and writing new children’s books.