1
Math is hard, Barbie Said

• Are boys hard-wired for math? Are girls not?

2
Statistics

• Boys and girls have similar mathematics and
  science scores at age 9.
• Eighth grade boys in most countries have the same
  average mathematical scores but higher average
  science scores than girls.
• At the postsecondary level, women are less likely
  to get degrees in math, physical sciences, and
  computer sciences and engineering. The exception
  is in life science degrees (Education,
  Psychology, Medicine).
• As of 2004, only eleven women won a Nobel Prize
  in Science (one of them twice).

3
Why?

• Why is there a change in scores around the age of
  14?
• What accounts for these differences? Is it based
  on the brains wiring (nature)? Or is it based on
  culture and society ( nurture?)

4
Vocabulary and Grammar

• Any vocabulary questions?
• Any grammar questions?

5
Comparisons

• as.as
• When you are comparing two things, you use
  as.as.
• Examples Girls are not as smart as boys in Math.
• Any other examples?

6
Discussion Questions

• The author points out that the brain is not as
  hard-wired as it seems. If so, does that mean
  there is no such thing as natural ability? Can
  ability or talent be trained and developed?
• Are there differences in other cultures?
• How much does attitude play a part in
  mathematical ability? (Last two paragraphs).

7
Solutions?

• Hathaway Brown model video