69ý

Mathematics Video

Skating Into STEM: Teaching Middle School Girls Math Through Movement

By Sam Mallon — July 21, 2023 3:59
SKATE stills 04 2 BS
Email Copy URL

Getting girls interested in careers in the STEM fields remains an ongoing challenge. Mayumi Suzue-Pan, a high school senior, noticed as early as middle school that she was one of very few female students in her upper-level math courses. When she joined the math team in high school, she saw her male classmates pursuing math extracurriculars far more frequently than her female peers.

So she started Solving Kinesthetically and Transforming Education (SKATE) for Girls, a program that combines math and ice skating to get girls interested in STEM.

Suzue-Pan and a few of her friends who serve as co-instructors teach middle school girls math through movement. The girls start their Saturday sessions by doing a kinesthetic math-related activity off the ice, then head out onto the ice to practice figure skating and tackle a math lesson before receiving more traditional tutoring off the ice.

With her experience as a figure skating instructor and as a math tutor at Mathnasium, in tandem with guidance from mentors, Suzue-Pan created the SKATE for Girls curriculum herself. She also advertised and sought funding from local organizations to ensure the program could be free to all participants.

The group held its first six-week session last winter and Suzue-Pan said she saw a 25 percent increase in math scores from the initial diagnostic test to the post-session test. But the benefits go beyond math and skating skills.

“A huge part of SKATE for Girls is being able to inspire young women and improve their confidence throughout the program,” Suzue-Pan said.

The program will hold its next session in August.

Sam Mallon is a video producer for Education Week.

Video

Federal Video Linda McMahon: 5 Things to Know About Trump's Choice for Education Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate former pro-wrestling CEO Linda McMahon to lead the education department.
1 min read
Teaching Video Teachers, Try This: Teach Kindness Through Words and Actions
This 4th grade teacher creates lessons and projects around showing kindness.
2:49
Federal Video Trump’s Pledge to Ax the Education Department: Can He Do That?
Trump would need approval from Congress to dismantle the Education Department or change federal education policy.
1 min read
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Evan Vucci/AP
School & District Management Video ‘I’m Not About Making Excuses’: Lessons From the National Principal of the Year
With this targeted approach, the National Principal of the Year improved student test scores in reading and math.