By Sarah Morgan
On March 8th, International Women’s Day celebrates the invaluable contributions of women throughout history, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Pioneers like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin have shaped scientific knowledge with groundbreaking discoveries. Their legacies continue to inspire current female students, including those at New Canaan’s Saxe Middle School, where recent trends highlight a significant increase in female student engagement across various STEM projects.
While the STEM-related special initiatives offered at Saxe are open to all students, the school has seen increased participation from female students this year. One of these programs is the unique and noteworthy TinkerCad class. Designed as an introductory course to 3D Design and Printing, TinkerCad empowers students to embark on a journey of creation, enabling them to bring their imaginative concepts to life through the magic of digital design. Students immerse themselves in a world of creating intricate three-dimensional renderings that spring to life courtesy of the school’s state-of-the-art 3D printers.
In addition, Saxe Middle School hosts a captivating “Shark Tank” style program, where student groups conceive, craft, and pitch their inventions to a discerning panel of judges. One all-female group created a project that aimed to streamline classroom logistics and enhance teacher efficiency. The group produced a cutting-edge solution to track and retrieve loaned office supplies within the school premises. Leveraging RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, the team equipped each office item with a specialized tracker and seamlessly integrated them into the school’s infrastructure.
Reflecting on her journey, one student shared her exhilaration at witnessing her coding skills in action, a testament to weeks of dedication and perseverance. “We got this working on Monday, and it was really exciting. We’ve been working on this part for three or four weeks, and now we’re in the last stretch. It feels like I really accomplished something,” she stated.
In the traditionally male-dominated STEM fields, increased participation and success of female students is both noteworthy and exciting for staff and scholars alike. Ashley Walsh, a Seventh-grade teacher at Saxe Middle School, expressed enthusiasm about the growing number of girls excelling in these courses, “I’m thrilled and proud of all our girls in our STEM program! It’s crucial to demonstrate to our students that they can solve problems using various tools. STEM fosters confidence and independence, empowering our female students and revealing opportunities in STEM-related fields,” she emphasized.
The strides made by these young trailblazers serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of creativity and inclusion. Their journey is a testament to the power of education and the enduring legacy of International
