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EdCast

The Physics Gender Gap and the Seeds of STEM Careers

Over the years, gender equity in high school STEM classes has made great strides. Boys used to outnumber girls in STEM class enrollment, yet in many subjects, the divide has been closing. "In math we've seen a dramatic shrinking of what used to be a course-taking gap," said Catherine Riegle-Crumb, associate professor at UT Austin, who published a report in the Social Science Quarterly journal on this gender divide. However, Riegle-Crum explains that this gap remains persistent when it comes to high school physics -- and there has been little improvement over the years.

Why is this the case? How does this gender gap in physics effect girls' careers in STEM? Where are the outliers? Listen to this week's Harvard EdCast: 

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The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field.

EdCast

An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities

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