article also available in FR , DE , IT , PT , SL : The primary goal of the STEAM Tales project is to promote STEAM education through storytelling, aiming to increase girls' interest in STEAM topics. To achieve this, the project partners (MIND, GoINNO, U.PORTO, CESIE and LogoPsyCom) developed educational resources to equip and empower primary school teachers with everything they need to promote STEAM successfully. The partners are excited to share the project’s key outputs: Introductory Guide: Empowering girls through STEAM: cultivating curiosity and creating opportunities The Guide consists of five main chapters: it offers an explanation about what STEAM is and how it works with a storytelling approach, one can learn about barriers that girls face in STEAM, about ways to empower educators for STEAM learning and how to cultivate curiosity in girls and empower them in STEAM. As its title suggests, it offers an introduction to important topics that the project covers. Assessment protocol The Assessment Protocol is a tool that was created to help primary school teachers choose the most suitable story and lesson plan for their classroom by taking into account the curriculum, children's perceptions of gender stereotypes and their interest in STEM fields. To guide this choice, a questionnaire for children has been created. Its purpose is to help teachers explore children's perceptions of gender and STEAM in their classroom and choose a suitable lesson plan based on this information. Once the results from the questionnaire are known, the teacher can use a reference table of female STEAM role models to select the best story and lesson plan for their classroom. The core of the project is embodied in the following two materials: STEAM tales Stories: An E-book containing 12 stories of inspiring women in STEAM Teachers should start lesson plans by reading one of the stories from this E-book. We created 12 biographical stories , and all of them are inspired by remarkable women who have worked or are working in the STEAM fields to offer a role model to young pupils, especially to girls. All 12 stories are based on biographical facts that are arranged following the Hero’s journey model of storytelling. The E-book includes women from different countries (2 Germans, 1 Iranian, 2 Italians, 3 Portuguese, 1 Senegalese, and 3 Slovenians), ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. The narratives trace their journeys from childhood to successful careers, highlighting challenges and achievements, accompanied by engaging illustrations. The main aim of these stories is to offer women role models in STEAM fields and to show pupils, especially girls, that dreams can be achieved no matter where you come from or what race or religion you belong to. STEAM tales pedagogical lesson plans By clicking the link, you can access a collection of 12 downloadable booklets that were carefully selected and prepared to meet the needs of teachers as well as pupils between the ages of 6 and 9. Once the story has been read and a particular STEAM field explored through the story in a relatable way, a hands-on activity that relates to the role model's field of work can start. Each booklet contains two lesson plans that are connected to each of the role models that were introduced through 12 stories. At the centre of each lesson plan is an exciting hands-on experiment that children can perform themselves, with a list of needed materials and clear step-by-step instructions. Moreover, lesson plans are designed to guide teachers on how to engage and inspire pupils as each LP offers an introduction, research question, conclusion, explanation of the experiment, and even a scientific background section, aimed at supporting teachers in deepening their understanding of the activity. Pedagogical Guide As the final resource of the project, building on the Introductory Guide and complementing the role model stories and lesson plans, this guide is designed to support primary school teachers with different techniques and implementation strategies to engage girls aged 6 to 9 in STEAM. Its content covers topics such as storytelling in an inclusive classroom, creating an effective educational story, implementing storytelling in the classroom, assessing through storytelling, and adapting storytelling into the curriculum. It provides tools and resources to challenge stereotypes and foster curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and engagement through narrative-based learning. An additional output: Final report on the assessment of the impact of STEAM Tales resources on children This report summarises the results of the materials developed in the context of the project that were piloted in primary schools in the five partner countries, between April and May 2025. This initially unplanned website output offers valuable insights and serves as a great bonus for anyone interested in the project’s piloting results. All project outputs are available on the webpage under ”Resources” in five languages ( English , French , German , Italian , Portuguese and Slovenian )* . You can also access each document by clicking the titles listed in this article. The STEAM tales team hopes these resources will help educators spark an interest in STEM in all children, especially in young girls. Who knows, one day we might even read a story about some of today's pupils becoming scientists who shaped our future! * Except for the originally unplanned website output, Final report on the assessment of the impact of STEAM Tales resources on children that is only available in English.

article also available in FR , DE , IT , PT , SL : In a society increasingly permeated by advances in science and technology, it's imperative to promote and enhance STEAM knowledge (Singh, 2024). One way this can be done is by combating stereotypes and biases that result from and foster the under-representation of the female gender in STEAM fields (European Commission, 2023; UNESCO, 2023; UNICEF, 2020). The STEAM Tales project promotes STEAM education by combining storytelling with hands-on activities, aiming to increase girls' interest in STEAM fields and potentially encourage them to pursue STEAM careers in the future. To achieve this, a set of stories, about female role models, and related hands-on activities was developed. A quality assessment was planned, and a series of mini and final pilots were conducted throughout the project to validate the following resources: An e-book with 12 inspirational stories about female role models in STEAM fields , complemented by colourful illustrations, written using Joseph Campbell’s Hero's Journey Model to present the role models as heroines overcoming obstacles and demonstrating courage and determination to achieve their dreams (Campbell, 2008). A set of 12 booklets with 2 lesson plans each , containing hands-on activities inspired by the work of the role models presented in the stories. An Assessment Protocol for teachers , designed to guide the selection and application of stories and lesson plans that are more suitable for their classroom. It includes a questionnaire to assess children's perceptions of gender in STEAM and their interest in STEM fields, as well as a table with an overview of the 12 stories and their corresponding lesson plans, including the role-model’s field, the STEAM domains covered and each activity title, to help teachers choose the lesson plan that best fits their needs and curriculum objectives.

article also available in FR , DE , IT , PT , SL : STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and STEAM (which adds Arts to STEM) fields are essential in today's world as they drive innovation , economic growth , and technological advancements . They help solve global challenges like the climate crisis, healthcare disparities, and cybersecurity issues while expanding career opportunities in high-demand industries. Unfortunately, there is still a deep-rooted underrepresentation of women in STEM professions and education, and in general, a lack of diversity in STEM fields. Supporting gender equality and diversity in STEM is crucial not only because everyone deserves to be able to pursue their curiosity and have an opportunity to fulfil their potential , but also because we all stand to benefit from science. Moreover, STEM education helps develop critical thinking , problem-solving , and analytical skills , which are essential for success in any field of work and life. Furthermore, encouraging diversity in these fields also leads to more inclusive and innovative solutions. The roots of the gender gap are multifaceted, including the persisting stereotypes and lack of female role models . Many still associate the STEM fields with masculine qualities , and most of the STEM success stories represent male individuals, which leads to the perpetuation of stereotypes that can discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM education and careers, and makes it harder for them to find role models and mentors in the field. (Piloto, 2023) Role models play a significant role in shaping motivational processes , guiding goals and pathways to success (Lockwood & Kunda, 1997). Furthermore, role model interventions have proven effective in reducing concerns about representing one's group in a stereotyped domain , mitigating the stereotype threat (Dasgupta, 2011). Exposure to relatable role models boosts career motivation, academic and professional aspirations, exam performance, and perceived success while reducing implicit self-stereotyping (Ramsey et al., 2013). In particular, encountering successful female role models helps counter negative stereotypes, reinforcing the idea that individuals "like them" can excel in the field (Hill et al., 2010). Recent research conducted with 304 girls aged 12 to 16, described in the article "Girls in STEM: Is It a Female Role-Model Thing?" (Master et al., 2020), examined how exposure to female role models influences girls' perceptions and aspirations in STEM fields. The girls in this study attended sessions with female STEM professionals, who discussed their careers, experiences, and challenges. Before and after the intervention, the researchers measured: Interest in STEM subjects (especially Maths). Perceived value of STEM education. Self-confidence and expectations of success in STEM. Gender stereotypes regarding STEM careers. Aspirations for STEM-related careers. The key findings revealed that exposure to female role models in STEM significantly increased girls' interest , confidence , and enjoyment in mathematics , leading to higher aspirations for STEM careers. It also helped reduce gender stereotypes by challenging traditional perceptions of male-dominated fields and expanding ideas about who can succeed in STEM. Additionally, sessions that emphasised counter-stereotypical aspects, such as teamwork and communication , further enhanced the positive impact, suggesting that presenting STEM in a more inclusive and relatable way makes it more appealing to young girls. (Master et al., 2020) In conclusion, the study (Master et al., 2020) highlights that the presence of female role models is a crucial factor in motivating girls to pursue STEM careers , especially when these role models break traditional stereotypes of the field. Building on this evidence, the STEAM Tales project fosters girls' interest in STEAM education and careers through the storytelling of 12 inspiring women's biographies in STEM. Designed for elementary school children aged 6-9, these stories feature illustrations and engaging questions to spark curiosity and participation. Each narrative follows a role model’s journey from childhood to a successful career, highlighting both challenges and achievements. By presenting relatable figures, the stories aim to inspire young girls to see themselves thriving in STE(A)M fields. Additionally, these resources support teachers in promoting STEAM education and reinforcing the visibility of women as empowering role models in these disciplines. The project tells the story of women from different countries, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Here are our heroines: Ana Mayer Kansky , Andreja Gomboc , Ángela Piskernik , Asta Hampe , Domitila de Carvalho , Emmy Noether , Elvira Fortunato , Maryam Mirzakhani , Rita Levi-Montalcini , Rose Dieng-Kuntz , Samantha Cristoforetti , Zita Martins . References Dasgupta, N. (2011). Ingroup experts and peers as social vaccines who inoculate the self-concept: The stereotype inoculation model. Psychological Inquiry, 22(4), 231-246. Hill, C., Corbett, C., & St Rose, A. (2010). Why so few? Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. American Association of University Women. 1111 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Lockwood, P., & Kunda, Z. (1997). Superstars and me: Predicting the impact of role models on the self. Journal of personality and social psychology, 73(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.1.91 Master, A., Cheryan, S., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2020). Girls in STEM: Is It a Female Role-Model Thing? Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2204. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02204 Ramsey, L. R., Betz, D. E., & Sekaquaptewa, D. (2013). The effects of an academic Psychology of Education, 16, 377-397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11218-013-9218-6

article also available in FR , DE , IT , PT , SL : Why STEAM will prepare primary school students today for the jobs of tomorrowIn today’s constantly changing world, being skilful in STEAM is like having a superpower. That is because these skills are crucial in securing jobs that are always in demand and will continue to play a central role in the future labour market (Kerry, 2024). Every other day, new tech devices and software are released, with companies and individuals trying to figure out how to work with them and make the best use of them. This is where STEAM skills come in. It’s no longer about memorising equations or following instructions. It’s about thinking outside of the box, solving problems, thinking critically, and being creative -skills that will come in handy no matter the career path students (a.k.a. future workers) choose! However, to be skilful in STEAM, students need years of exposure and practice in a STEAM environment. This means they need to start young! That’s why communication scientists, experts from tech and education fields and even ministers of education from all over the world (e.g.: Germany , Portugal , UK and the USA ) are incentivising for programs and pushing a more STEAM-focused curricula transition (Robo Wunderkind, 2024)! That’s the reason why it’s important to encourage and expose students to STEAM as early as possible, i.e., during primary school, which is what our project STEAM Tales is advocating for! Nowadays, there are so many free online resources; there’s no excuse not to implement STEAM activities in class! Some perfect examples are STEM Learning , NASA STEM Engagement and Khan Academy’s comprehensive and easy-to-navigate platforms! You can learn more about them in a previous article of ours! So why wait until high school or college to explore STEAM? By introducing primary students to STEAM concepts early on, we’re laying the foundations for future success. We’re showing them how "to deal positively and productively with 21st-century global challenges that are impacting the economy, the natural environment, and our diverse cultural heritage" (Taylor, 2016, p. 86). We’re showing young students that learning about the world around them isn’t just something that can be done in a dusty old classroom–it’s an adventure of the world that surrounds them and is waiting for them! Who wouldn’t want to spend their days exploring the mysteries of nature, building robots or exploring the wonders of the cosmos? Jennifer Berne wrote the lyrical picture book biography " Look Up with Me: Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Life Among the Stars " which chronicles the journey of the astrophysicist and science communicator. In the book's foreword, written by Neil deGrasse Tysonhimself, he highlights the significance of curiosity in children. He claims that kids are born scientists and that “Scientists are kids who never lost their natural childhood curiosity about the world” (p. 1). When you look at it, kids are always doing messy things. They like to jump on puddles of mud, paint the floor with crayons and make noises by hitting spoons on pots and pans. And when adults see it, they stop them from doing it! While it might look like a good decision, they are stopping the kids’ experiments! Although they weren’t aware of it, the kids were unconsciously learning about fluid dynamics and how the viscosity of the mud affects the way it flows and splashes when someone jumps into the puddle; they were exploring arts and figuring out how mixing primary colours create secondary colours; they were doing an acoustic experiment and understanding how spoons made of different material (e.g. an aluminium and a cooper one) create different sounds as they hit on pots and pans! Maybe one day when they’re adults they’ll face a real-life challenge and will say “Oh, I know how to solve that!” while thinking about the “messy thing” they were doing when they were young! In conclusion, driven by innate curiosity and wonder, these young minds are on a mission to understand how things work as they explore the universe around them! Just like a scientist! So, primary teachers and educators, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab some goggles, and get ready to make the classroom a laboratory of STEAM discovery! To support you in this journey, the STEAM Tales project offers a comprehensive guide on fostering curiosity and inclusivity in STEAM education, inspiring stories of women in STEAM, and ready-to-use lesson plans with hands-on experiments. Explore these resources and start empowering young students today, so they can be successful in life tomorrow when they are adults! References Berne, J. (2019). Look up with me: Neil deGrasse Tyson: A life among the stars(1st ed.). HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY, 2019 Wunderkind, R.(2024). What is STEAM education and why is it so essential for children?. Robo Wunderkind https://www.robowunderkind.com/blog/what-is-steam-education-and-why-is-it-so-important-for-children S., Kerry (2024). Preparing Kids For The Jobs Of Tomorrow: Investing In STEAM Education. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryebersolesingh/2024/02/04/preparing-kids-for-the-jobs-of-tomorrow-investing-in-steam-education/?sh=6b2f2089eb8b Taylor, P.C. (2016). Session N: why is a STEAM curriculum perspective crucial to the 21st century?,2009-2016 ACER Research Conferences. Paper 6, Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), Melbourne. https://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1299&context=research_conference

article also available in DE , FR , IT , PT , SL : The world of STEAM has been dominated by male figures, but incredible women have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes and contributed to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. Still, many of those female role models are often overlooked despite their significant influence on the world we know today. As detailed in previous articles on our blog , women and girls often face biases and societal expectations that steer them away from STEM fields. By celebrating women who have excelled in these domains, we aim to create a more inclusive and diverse narrative that invites all children to dream big and see themselves in these roles and careers. To encourage young people to explore STEAM subjects, the representation of female and marginalised role models plays a crucial role: inspiring young girls and minorities to see that their ambitions are attainable, providing visibility to challenge stereotypes and reshape societal expectations, and empowering kids so they can gain confidence in their abilities when they learn about women who have achieved great things, despite the challenges and obstacles they faced and overcame. To explore this in practice, let’s dive into the stories of famously brilliant women in STEM that you may have heard of but whose significant contributions are still often overlooked Marie Curie is the first name many can think of, synonymous with groundbreaking scientific work. Born in Poland in 1867, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields: Physics and Chemistry. Despite being denied access to university in Poland due to her gender, she moved to study in Paris, where she exceeded every expectation. Her discovery of radium and polonium and her work in radiation physics have saved countless lives, led to revolutionary advancements and laid the foundation for future medical treatments. Ada Lovelace , an English mathematician and writer, is considered the world’s first computer programmer. Born in 1815, she was introduced to the works of Charles Babbage, who conceptualised the first mechanical computer, and her detailed observations led to the birth of an algorithm that became the foundation of modern computer programming. Her vision of computers as machines that could go beyond number crunching and could be used to perform tasks like music composition laid the groundwork for what we now call software engineering. Rosalind Franklin ’s X-ray diffraction images were critical to the discovery of the DNA double helix, a key to understanding genetic science. Her work, while often overshadowed by James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, was vital to their breakthrough in the structure of DNA and played an essential role in unlocking the genetic code that has shaped modern biology and medicine, making her a pioneer in science to this day. Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of NASA's space missions, including the first human spaceflight. As a Black woman in the 1950s and 60s, she overcame the combined barriers of racial and gender discrimination when the US was still segregated. Her most famous work was calculating the trajectory for the Apollo 11 mission, which enabled mankind’s first steps onto the Moon in 1969. Mae Jemison made history in 1992 when she became the first woman of colour to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. As a physician and engineer, her interest in space was sparked from a young age, but her path to becoming an astronaut was riddled with numerous obstacles, including racial and gender-based discrimination. After leaving NASA, she founded the Jemison Group, which works to advance technology in the fields of science and education. These few examples, among the most famous ones, are far from the only remarkable female role models that can be highlighted in STEAM, which is why we have chosen 12 lesser-known women in various fields in order to enhance children’s STEAM education through their stories, along with experiences and lessons related to their work: Emmy Noether, Rita Levi Montalcini, Rose Dieng-Kuntz, Maryam Mirzakhani, Ángela Piskernik and many more! Teachers and educators can inspire the next generation and foster a more inclusive future in these fields by integrating women’s stories into lessons and activities. In doing so, we can help shift the narrative in classrooms, making the contributions of underrepresented communities more visible. Introducing children to female role models provides them with relatable examples of people who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness through passion, curiosity, resilience and determination. Discover more incredible and overlooked women’s stories through the STEAM Tales project resources and inspire, represent and empower children of all backgrounds to pursue their dreams! Let’s celebrate minorities' and women’s achievements and work toward a world where all children can see themselves as future leaders in STEAM! References Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Marie Curie | Biography, Nobel Prize, Accomplishments, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Curie Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Ada Lovelace | Biography, Computer, & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ada-Lovelace Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024). Rosalind Franklin | Biography, Facts, & DNA. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosalind-Franklin NASA. (2024). Katherine Johnson Biography. https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography NASA. (2024). Mae Jemison, M.D. https://www.nasa.gov/people/mae-jemison-m-d/

article also available in DE , FR , IT , PT , SL : To be a role model, one would have to have some public recognition and public visibility. So maybe the real question is not the one in the title of this article but this: why are more women from STEM not publicly recognised? Were women, historically, not part of the STEM field? Sure, we all know Marie Curie, two-time Nobel Prize winner, once for her work in physics and once for her work in the field of chemistry, and maybe we can count one or two more, but is that all? And if the answer is no, where are all these other women hiding? If one takes time to dig deep, one can find that history is full of strong, intelligent, amazing, brilliant, brave women who made groundbreaking discoveries, invented amazing things, or launched new theories that changed the field in which they were working or even had a broader impact. Society benefitted greatly from women's contributions; from the invention of windscreen wipers (Mary Anderson) to the discovery of DNA (Rosalinda Franklin), to name just two of many. But still, they are invisible to most of the public. When searching for reasons why things are the way they are, patriarchy is the obvious starting point. The status of women in STEM is similar to their status in general. And in general, our society has been male-dominated. For a long time, the science world was that of white middle-class men, who were seen as the norm, with women as the other, something that was different from the norm. Here lie the roots of inequality and unequal opportunities that women had to face (and are still, sometimes facing) in all areas, including in the STEM field. Firstly, the basic precondition for scientific work had been denied to them as they were not allowed to study at universities for centuries. They were excluded from obtaining academic degrees or being a part of trade associations. Even after the doors to the universities finally opened to them, they had problems with finding employment in their field, with career advancement, important, decision-making positions were difficult, if not impossible, for them to obtain, and research money was harder for them to raise if that was even an option. In addition to the systemic barriers, they were constantly faced with overt biases, from sexism to misogyny (women are meant to take care of the home and family, are less intelligent than men, are not able to think logically, are not interested in STEM disciplines, to name a few) as well as unconscious biases like usage of only male pronouns in different official documentation. Even when women managed to overcome all of the above-stated barriers - with great commitment and dedication - and achieved success in their field, their achievements were downgraded and less rewarded than those of their male colleagues. If we take a look at the most famous award: from 1901 to 2022, only 6% of Nobel Prize winners were women (Novak, 2023). This low percentage might indicate that women were not active in the fields that were being awarded. But that, of course, is not true. Their achievements were just not awarded or recognised. Let us now look at a specific phenomenon known as the Matilda effect . This is the expression coined in 1993 by Margaret W. Rossiter, that describes: »the phenomenon where an innovation or scientific discovery made by a woman is attributed to her male counterpart« (Mihajlović Trbovc, 2023, p. 15). History is full of Matilda's effects and the STEM field is no exception. Let us take a closer look at three examples: Joycelyn Bell Burnell discovered the first radio pulsars (supernova remnants) but because she was a postgraduate student at the time of discovery, her mentor, Antony Hewish, was awarded a Nobel Prize for physics in 1974 for the discovery that she made. Lise Meiter is another woman from the STEM field who devoted her life to science but never gained the recognition she deserved: together with her colleague Otto Hahn, she contributed key findings to the mystery of nuclear fission but in 1944, only Otto won the Nobel Prize for physics although Lisa was the one who provided the theory behind the experiments. Esther Lederberg was another scientist whose achievements were overshadowed by men, in her case by her husband. Although they worked together in the laboratory and shared their work with research and study of bacteria, only her husband was awarded with Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine in 1958. (Senica, 2021) To answer the question from the title: the reason behind the lack of women role models in STEM does not lie in the assumption that women have not contributed important discoveries in the STEM field but that their contributions were more often than not taken away from them, undervalued, or overlooked. We, as a society, have not given them the recognition they deserve. It is time to change that; to acknowledge their contributions and to learn about all the struggles they had to face on their way – to give them the recognition they deserve. With biographical fairytale-like stories, the STEAM Tales project is trying to do exactly that: we are putting the amazing yet underrepresented women from the STEM field as role models for young girls (and boys) to look upon.

article also available in DE , FR , IT , PT , SL : STEAM identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and how this identity is shaped by social interactions, group memberships, and societal norms (2021; Prost et al., 2022). It involves, thus, their attitudes towards STEAM subjects, and their identification with the STEAM community, overcoming barriers such as stereotype threat that arise from the internalisation of stereotypes. Cohen (2021) and UNESCO (2017) state that girls’ beliefs in their STEAM-related abilities such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, begin to diminish from ages six to eight during the first years of education; assert that early exposure to STEAM subjects is crucial for building the foundation of girls' skills and interests. The development of a STEAM identity is influenced by the presentation of encouraging role models and positive experiences. In light of the factors above, it is pertinent to implement initiatives that present role models at an early developmental stage and implement a STEAM education in primary school, which serves as a pivotal activity to facilitate the development of a positive STEAM identity in girls at the earliest possible age (Cohen et al., 2021). Storytelling has been implemented with the objective of entertaining children, and it is linked to cognitive and affective-motivational factors. The act of listening to stories can foster improved motivation and emotional engagement in children. Furthermore, exposure to STEAM stories enables children to recognise the pertinence of STEAM, thereby increasing their overall engagement and interest in STEAM subjects (Barchas-Lichtenstein et al., 2023). Additionally, it enables children to gain a more nuanced understanding of a subject through exposure to different perspectives (Paiva et al., 2019). Storytelling favours a narrative mode of making sense of the world, a mode that is context-dependent and relies on situation-based evidence. For Engel et al. (2018), the narrative mode of thinking represents the default mode of human thought, providing structure to reality and serving as the underlying foundation for memory. Frequently, some categories of storytelling are employed and researched to narrate stories for children in primary education: historical stories: stories such as biographical narratives of scientists and their work to stimulate children's motivation and engagement in science communication activities; imaginary stories: stories that illustrate the sequence of events to address scientific concepts to promote children's understanding directly; personification stories: stories that use certain story elements to describe scientific concepts by assigning personal characteristics to the complex concepts of a scientific field (Hu et al., 2021). A narrative strategy composing historical stories with the presentation of biographical narratives of scientists and their work to stimulate children's motivation and engagement in science communication activities (Hu et al., 2021). Stories about science, scientists and discoveries can have important positive affective impacts (Gouvêa et al., 2019).

article also available in DE , FR , IT , PT , SL : The importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is increasing significantly in the 21st century. STEM fields not only serve as pivotal drivers of innovation and progress, but they also harbour the viable solutions to contemporary societal challenges. Nevertheless, the STEM's potential is constrained by overlooking the invaluable contributions of women. The underrepresentation of females in STEM deprives the field of diverse perspectives and, on the other hand, girls and women of equal opportunities and meaningful stimulating careers. Statistical data from various European countries show the gender disparities in specific disciplines such as physics, mathematics, statistics, ICT, technology, and engineering, confirming a significant underrepresentation of women in STEM (European Institute of Gender Equality 2018). This trend has persisted over time, and its explanation is inherently complex due to numerous variables and individual traits. Yet, a significant portion of the gender gap can be attributed to barriers rooted in the persistent stereotypical attitudes and behaviours linked to perceived gender-based differences in abilities and performance, as gender roles, patterns, and stereotypes embedded in society influence the educational trajectories and career decisions (Farias 2021). In today's European Union, discrimination based on gender or any other ground—such as, race, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited. In spite of the absence of intentional external barriers excluding girls and women from STEM education or employment (leaving aside structural problems such as accessibility of child daycare), the issue persists and women may still face a significant “internal” barrier known as stereotype threat. This psychological phenomenon poses an obstacle, discouraging girls and women from pursuing STEM fields despite their abilities or interests (Spencer et al. 2016). Understanding and addressing these mechanisms are imperative for fostering greater gender diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields. Stereotype threat describes the situation in which there is a negative stereotype about a persons’ group, and she or he is concerned about being judged or treated negatively on the basis of this stereotype (Spencer et al. 2016). Stereotype threat, as originally theorized by Claude Steele and colleagues (Steele & Aronson 1995), stems from situational cues that suggest individuals may be judged based on negative stereotypes about their social identities. These cues can be triggered by various factors such as gender-stereotypic advertisements, numerical imbalances in a setting, or prejudiced behavior from high-status group members. Specifically, within the context of STEM, which has traditionally been associated as a masculine domain (Borsotti, 2018), girls and women face extra pressure than their male counterparts —pressure to avoid confirming the stereotype alleging their group’s intellectual inferiority. Studies have shown that this extra pressure can undermine the performance and reduce working memory capacity, which is needed to solve difficult questions, making it more difficult for the stereotyped group to succeed. In fact, stereotype threat can explain much of the underperformance phenomenon—such as underperformance of women mathematics and the gender gap in science (Steele et al. 2002a, Walton & Spencer 2009 in Spencer et al. 2016). On the other hand, Walton & Spencer (2009 in Spencer et al. 2016) demonstrated a phenomenon called latent ability effect, where members of negatively stereotyped groups actually outperform nonstereotyped groups when stereotype threat is reduced. This suggests that in environments free from stereotype threat, individuals from stereotyped groups can excel even beyond their initial performance levels. Besides its effect on performance, there are further consequences of stereotype threat: It fosters negative emotions in the stereotyped domain: when people complete a high-threat test, they report decreased task interest (Smith et al. 2007 in Spencer et al. 2016). It diminishes perceptions of own abilities in the stereotyped domain: elementary school girls reported decreased math self-confidence under conditions of high threat (Muzzatti & Agnoli 2007 in Spencer et al. 2016). Young adults, women under stereotype threat make more internal attributions for failure on a computer task than do men (Koch et al. 2008 in Spencer 2016). The decreased enjoyment and diminished self-confidence may explain why women experiencing stereotype threat report less interest in math and science fields and weaker leadership aspirations (Davies et al. 2002, 2005 in Spencer et al. 2016) Ultimately, stereotype threat and its effect can result in withdrawal of the stereotyped group from the negatively stereotyped domain – such as girls and women from STEM education, research and careers. Spencer et al. 2016 proposed three evidence-based social psychological strategies to reduce the pernicious effects of stereotype threat that can lead to improved performance by members of stereotyped groups: Reconstrual interventions aim to diminish the negative effects of stereotype threat by altering participants' perception of the level of threat. For example, by reconstruing tests or adapting the description of a test to emphasize it as nondiagnostic can lead to improved performance. Coping interventions include providing individuals with techniques to suppress anxious thoughts or practice susceptible test problems to retrieve them from long-term memory. Educating individuals about stereotype threat, reassuring them of its illegitimacy, and guiding them to attribute anxiety to stereotypes can also improve performance. Additionally, mindfulness training, which alleviates working memory load, has shown promise in eliminating stereotype-threat effects. Creating identity-safe environments to reassure individuals that their stigmatized social identities are not a barrier to success. This can be achieved by facilitating positive contact with majority group members, providing role models of successful group members, or having group members administer tests. These approaches if adopted by teachers and educators, combined with heightened awareness of the stereotype threat faced by females in STEM fields, could contribute to the creation of more inclusive environments in education, thereby advancing equal opportunities. As a result, individuals would feel valued and supported irrespective of their social identities, likely leading to increased participation of girls and women in STEM fields. This enhanced involvement of women in STEM would not only benefit the fields themselves but also society at large. References : Benish, S. (2018). Meeting STEM workforce demands by diversifying STEM. Journal of Science Policy & Governance, 13(1). Borsotti, V. (2018). Barriers to gender diversity in software development education: actionable insights from a danish case study. In Proceedings of the 40th International Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering Education and Training (pp. 146-152). European Institute of Gender Equality, 2018. Overview | Gender Statistics Database. EIGE. Farias, S. S. (2021). O PISA 2018 e a educação STEM das raparigas. Instituto de Sociologia da Universidade do Porto. http://www.barometro.com.pt/2021/08/02/o-pisa-2018-e-a-educacao-stem-das-raparigas/ Spencer, S. J. et al. (2016). Stereotype threat. Annual Review of Psychology, 67(1), 415–437. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-073115-103235 Steele, C. M., & Aronson, J. (1995). Stereotype threat and the intellectual test performance of African Americans. Journal of personality and social psychology, 69(5), 797.

article also available in DE , FR , IT , PT , SL : When it comes to teaching and education, particularly in the domains of STEAM, teachers and educators hold an invaluable position because they have the power and ability to equip students with skills that go beyond traditional textbooks. Collaboration, communication, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking – these are some of the skills that our students will need to tackle real-world challenges (Bertrand & Namukasa, 2020). So their teachers and educators play a crucial role in cultivating these skills by creating vibrant learning environments where these can be nurtured! Another important topic to consider is breaking down stereotypes and barriers, especially for girls. Despite some progress, there's still a gender gap in STEAM education . But with a little encouragement and support from teachers and educators, we can change that narrative. Early exposure to STEAM subjects and inclusive opportunities can ignite passion and confidence in girls, opening a window for a more diverse and innovative future workforce (UNICEF, 2020). And in today's digital age, it’s never been easier to have access to STEAM resources and ideas to implement in class and create interactive environments where students’ curiosity will make them more engaged and participative in class! Whether it's by engaging in interactive games to explore mathematical concepts, conducting virtual science experiments, or exploring the world of coding and robotics activities, nowadays there are many online platforms that offer free resources to enrich STEAM education. Here’s some examples: STEM Learning is dedicated to supporting educators in delivering high-quality STEM education to primary students. They collaborate with the UK Government and educational institutions to ensure that teachers have access to a wealth of activities addressing different STEAM subjects and making lesson planning simple for primary teachers. The resources available in their platform can be downloaded as an activity sheet and contain guidelines on how to bring the activity to life in the classroom, along with clear learning objectives and outcomes. From exploring animals and evolution to diving into rocks and electricity, there's anything for the taste of any emerging student scientist! NASA STEM Engagement is an initiative by NASA to connect educators, students, parents, and caregivers with the captivating world of space exploration and STEM. This platform offers a diverse range of experiences and activities tailored for students from Primary (K4) to Secondary (K12) education, empowering educators to integrate STEAM resources effortlessly. In addition, there are activities tailored for different learning settings - whether in school or afterschool - such as in-field investigations to engaging games, each equipped with comprehensive guidelines and tips for a successful implementation to spark curiosity and facilitate meaningful exploration of the topic chosen! Khan Academy is another key platform when it comes to STEAM education. It hosts a wide array of materials designed to enrich STEAM education and make learning fun and accessible for students everywhere! The resources available in Khan Academy cover all school subjects, including STEAM and even Life Skills! And although they are experts in the creation of short, engaging multimedia resources that bring complex topics to life, they also offer interactive lesson plans, hands-on activities and professional development tools tailored specifically for educators. These materials come in all shapes and forms, from engaging experiments to captivating videos and interactive simulations, and address various learning preferences and levels of expertise. Additionally, it provides access to teaching guides, assessment strategies, and best practices for integrating STEAM concepts into the curriculum effectively. That all the ingredients needed to create dynamic and immersive learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation among primary students! So, whether it's by immersing into coding or by exploring the wonders of science through virtual labs, online platforms offer endless possibilities! On top of that, they make learning STEAM fun while also keeping teachers and educators up-to-date on the latest trends and teaching methodologies in the education world. By exposing these types of interactive, fun resources and activities to students, educators are not just teaching – they're inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. In other words, teachers are like superheroes in STEAM education. They're shaping the future, one lesson at a time, and making a real difference in the lives of our students and our world! References: Bertrand, M.G. & Namukasa, I.K. (2020), STEAM education: student learning and transferable skills , Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 43-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2020-0003 UNICEF (2020). Towards an equal future: Reimagining girls’ education through STEM . ISBN: 978-92-806-5178-2. NewYork, 2020. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/media/84046/file/Reimagining-girls-education-through-stem-2020.pdf