In what ways are differences between the sexes culturally, rather than biologically

determined? How might the differences be reinforced or changed in classrooms? What roles
do masculinity and femininity play in one's gender identity? How can you, as an educator, help
increase the participation of females and other underrepresented groups in computer science,
mathematics, and science careers? Please post and original response to this question with a
minimum of 250 words on or before Sunday, February 23rd. Post to your peers on or before
Sunday, March 2nd by 11:59 pm.

Although nature determines our sex at the beginning of life, it does not have to limit our abilities to the
stereotyped roles of male or female (Gollnick & Chinn, 2013). Sexes are determined by culture more
than determined biologically. Even before birth, when one knows that a mother is expecting a female
one begins to buy pink clothing and female toys that begin differencing between a boy and a girl. Every
country has their differences between males and females. In some countries females have fewer rights
than males. One example of this is females not having the right to attend school while males can. In
many countries males are the head of the homes that provide the food while women play the role of the
mother who cooks, cleans, and takes care of her family. Fortunately we live in a country where changes
keep being made and women keep improving their rights. Although we both have different skills, we
both depend on each other.
The differences can be reinforced in classrooms by only letting girls play kitchen and making boys only
play cars. By only permitting males to play male games and girls play female games we continue to
reinforce the stereotypes. This could be changed by creating stations from a young age that give both
boys and girls the confidence to play games of the opposite gender. By doing this, children develop
respect for the choices of their classmates whether they are male or female.
As an educator one can increase the participation of females and other underrepresented groups in
computer science, mathematics, and science careers by providing fun activities that increase their
interest. Many times science projects can be a fun activity where females can use their creativeness.
Stations and groups could also be a good way to increase the participation of females and other
underrepresented groups. As girls participate in boys activities that require more movement, their
brains begin to adapt the skills needed for better performance in spatial tasks (Gollnick & Chinn, 2013).