Extra

Do I Belong in STEM?

In this case study you will use problem-based learning to learn about diversity and inclusion in STEM.This type of case study is designed for you to identify the broad nature of the problem, define what you know as well as what you do not know and need to find out, and then have you search for answers in different segments of the case.

Objectives

1. Define the concept “diversity” and explain why diversity is essential in STEM.
2. Identify the challenges and rewards that working in STEM presents.
3. Demonstrate graphing and data interpretation skills.

Instructions

Why do we do extra credit first? Students in prior semesters have run out of time when extra credit is due at the end of the course. Also, Dr. Nelson wants to ensure that everyone feels like they belong in this course. Last but not least, you get to see what the case study assignments are like in this course.

1. Download the Extra Credit Case Study

• . There are 16 questions on this assignment. Submission of the completed case is worth up to 12 extra credit points. Points post once Dr. Nelson has read your work.
• Type your answers into the PDF or download a Word version of the questions

1.  or print the assignment, write by hand, and scan back to PDF.
2. Upload your completed PDF or completed Word worksheet.

Required TED Talks

To complete this case, you will need to watch two 15-minute TED talks.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v8aDo4dV3Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PV7Hy_8fhA

 

 

 

 

 

 

All questions must be answered to earn full credit. Partial work is graded with the posted rubric.
Kindly consider using a different color for your answers to help with grading workflow.
This case study has 16 required questions and 2 required videos.
Name:
Part I – What is Diversity and Does STEM Have Enough?
1. What group holds the greatest proportion of STEM jobs?
2. What proportion of women hold STEM jobs? What about men? Show your math!
3. According to 2016 United States census data, women represent 50.8 % of the
population. Thus, do the percent of women in the STEM field accurately represent the
percent of women in the population? By how much do they differ? Show your math!
4. Which ethnic groups exhibits the least representation (do not use the “other” category)?
As of 2016 Black people represent 13.3 % of the population while Hispanic (Latinx)
people represent 17.8 % (2016 census data). Thus, does the representation of these
groups accurately represent their proportions in the population?
Part II – Does Diversity Matter in STEM?
1. In your own words, define diversity.
2. Explain in your own words why diversity helps promote excellence in science.
3. What are some examples of bias that were revealed in the video?
4. Dr. Cabreza introduced two problems that can make it more difficult for members of
underrepresented groups to succeed in STEM: socialization and institutional bias. In
your own words, define both terms. Explain why both socialization and institutional bias
can serve as hurdles to individuals from underrepresented groups who may be
interested in a STEM career.
Part III – So How Do We Fix the Problem?
1. What obstacles did you identify in the video that made it difficult for MsLePoint to
succeed? Are any of those obstacles specific for sex, race, gender or another identity?
2. Ms. LePoint described three steps to achieving success. Describe those steps.
3. Explain the term mathaphobia, then explain how that term might apply to you as a STEM
student. Also, does it only apply to math?
4. In the video, Ms. LePoint described how she transitioned from a failing student to one
who eventually became a rocket scientist. Why was her mindset so important to her
success? How did her mindset change?

Part IV – How is STEM Changing?
1. As of 2014, what percentage of the population did women represent in the social and
biosciences? Do you think these fields, as opposed to other STEM fields, did something
specific to address underrepresentation, or is it the nature of the field, content
knowledge, and potential careers that are responsible for this shift, or might it be both?
2. Why do you think other STEM fields are still so male-dominated?
3. Examine Figure 3 (see PDF). What is the general trend in terms of degrees earned
among minority groups? Given that minorities represent more than 30% of the
population, should faculty members and industry leaders in the STEM field be satisfied
with this trend?
Conclusion
1. Upon completion of this case, do you feel any differently about your identity or ability to
persevere in STEM?