Science: For the last twelve years it has been clear that girls' interest, participation, and achievement in science decline as they advance through the school education system says Sheryl A. Tucker, Deborah L. Hanuscin and Constance J. Bearnes in this week's Science magazine. For example at age 10, the number of girls and boys who like math and science is about the same, but by age 14, twice as many boys as girls show an interest in these subjects.

Many career decisions are influenced at this early age and this interest deficit among girls may contribute to the continuing gender gap in science, particularly in terms of labor market outcomes say the researchers.

The solution could be informal out-of-school workshop programs adds Tucker and colleagues, such as the "Magic of Chemistry" program sponsored by the University of Missouri and the Girl Scouts-Heart of Missouri Council. On average, 81% (range 66 to 88%) of participants wanted, after the workshops, to learn more about science and science careers.

Related links
Magic of Chemistry
Igniting Girls' Interest in Science (Science)