“Math is hard”, Barbie Said Are boys “hard-wired” for math? Are girls not?

Statistics Boys and girls have similar mathematics and science scores at age 9. Eighth grade boys in most countries have the same average mathematical scores but higher average science scores than girls. At the postsecondary level, women are less likely to get degrees in math, physical sciences, and computer sciences and engineering. The exception is in life science degrees (Education, Psychology, Medicine). As of 2004, only eleven women won a Nobel Prize in Science (one of them twice).

Why? Why is there a change in scores around the age of 14? What accounts for these differences? Is it based on the brain’s wiring (nature)? Or is it based on culture and society ( nurture?)

Vocabulary and Grammar Any vocabulary questions? Any grammar questions?

Comparisons “as….as” When you are comparing two things, you use “as….as”. Examples: Girls are not as smart as boys in Math. Any other examples?

Discussion Questions The author points out that the brain is not as hard-wired as it seems. If so, does that mean there is no such thing as “natural ability”? Can “ability” or “talent” be trained and developed? Are there differences in other cultures? How much does attitude play a part in mathematical ability? (Last two paragraphs).

Solutions? “Hathaway Brown” model video