Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

AAUW supports promoting and strengthening science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, especially for girls and underrepresented populations.

Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW STEM Award
March 25, 2023, Dutchess Community College

On Saturday, March 25, Bonnie Auchincloss, Kay Saderholm, and Claudette Hennessy participated on AAUW’s behalf in judging of the Science Fair held at Dutchess County Community College.  Our combined experience includes Chemistry, Earth Science, Programming, Systems Development, Numerical Analysis, and IT.  We acted as judges of the efforts of 7th and 8th grade girls in support of the STEM emphasis of AAUW. We awarded the 7th grade exhibit to an experiment comparing the effects of surfaces on efficiency, using golf ball dimpling effects as an example, to apply surface differences on model cars. The distance traveled was then measured on various cars with different surfaces. The 8th grade award went to an experiment investigating the effects of  water bottle container materials on fungal contamination.  We were in total agreement on the choices; and were all impressed by the knowledge of the students, their familiarity with the subjects,  the organization of the materials and explanation of the experiments, and their understanding of the subject when questioned. We enjoyed the experience and the chance to talk to these young people, and went away gratified by the state of education in Dutchess County as evidenced by this event.

Math Buddies

Contact: Barbara Van Itallie, Chair
initiative.aauw.poughkeepsie@gmail.com

Volunteers are returning to the schools!  Contact Chair.

Poughkeepsie Branch AAUW is pleased to partner with Literacy Connections on the initiative, Math Buddies. The program is modeled after Literacy Connection’s very successful Book Buddies where volunteers go into elementary school to assist children with reading.

Math Buddies work in grades one through five in local schools helping struggling students with their math skills. Volunteers work one-on-one with the students or with groups in the classroom, as specifically directed by the classroom teacher. Volunteers typically offer about one hour per week although there is often flexibility in scheduling. Potential volunteers need not be math or elementary teachers and should not be concerned about any new approaches to math since the material is very basic. This is an extremely rewarding experience since offering any extra help in both math and confidence-building is particularly needed.

Please contact Barbara for more information on how to get started!!

From National AAUW

Where we stand: STEM Education
The Stem Gap

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