FAQ

What is Great Science for Girls: Extension Services for Gender Equity in Science through After-School Programs (GSG)?

Great Science for Girls (GSG) is a five-year project (2006-2011) funded by the National Science Foundation to proactively support girls’ interest and persistence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).The project is comprised of inquiry-based, informal curriculum that GSG has evaluated and indentified as having a positive impact on girls’ interest in science. Additionally, GSG provides support, resources and professional development to Intermediaries interested in joining this national initiative. The lead agency for the GSG team is the Educational Equity Center (EEC) at AED, an organization that develops programs and materials to promote bias-free learning in school and after school.

What are the benefits of participating in GSG?

  • A strengthened role as a service provider through the addition of new resources for afterschool center staff and students.
  • Increased capacity to offer technical assistance and to deliver training on evidence-based programs.
  • Access to a research and resource-rich website.
  • Opportunity to develop and build a knowledge base by participating in this national NSF initiative.

What are the components of GSG?

  • Evidence-based STEM curricula
  • Website
  • Ongoing research reports via website
  • Ongoing technical assistance, via website, telephone
  • Handbook of best practices
  • Professional Development Institutes
  • Evaluation

What is meant by “evidenced-based” curriculum?

Evidence-based curriculum has been evaluated by the GSG project team according to strict criteria, such as how well does it address equity and gender issues; does it conform to national standards; does it contribute to best practices, and is it cost-effective, to name but a few.

Are the evidence-based curricula for girls only?

Of the seven curricula programs GSG has selected, After-School Science PLUS, Afterschool Universe, Girls at the Center, SciGirls, Techbridge, and Wonderwise 4-H are suitable for coed or girls-only settings; Girls Inc. Operation SMART is a girls-only program.

What are the goals of the Professional Development Institute that GSG offers?

  • To provide training about gender and other science equity issues
  • To prepare participants to deliver the training to their afterschool centers
  • To provide in-depth information about the evidence- based curricula
  • To plan for implementation

What kinds of support are available on the GSG website?

  • Resources
  • Research reports
  • Webcasts
  • Training materials
  • Evidence-based curricula

How do I get started bringing the GSG curricula to my organization?

If you’re an Intermediary organization, contact EEC/AED (see contact information below) to find out how to partner with the GSG team and join the GSG national initiative. Download the Great Science for Girls Starter Kit for Intermediaries. If you’re an afterschool center administrator or staff, begin by visiting the GSG website to download the Great Science for Girls Starter Kit for Afterschool Centers. This contains details on getting started, managing the GSG project, and finding local support. In all cases, the GSG project team is a phone call away to assist with implementation.

Who do I contact with additional questions?

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