I never encountered a female science teacher when I was in school. So when I started teaching science I was not surprised when I was often met with the assumption that I was an English teacher or statements that I didn't "look like" a science teacher. Knowing that exposure is a heavy influencer on the career and educational experiences that students pursue, it doesn't surprise me that women are underrepresented in the STEM fields. My first and second year teaching was in an Earth Science class, after that Physics, Physical Science, and Biology. When introducing new concepts and theories to students, I presented historical context and seldom were women included in those narratives. But they were present. Movies like Hidden Figures, Temple Grandin, and A Dangerous Method give a small glimpse at the critical, yet minimized, roles women have had in scientific and enginerring breakthroughs.

I was please to find the website Women@Nasa. On it's homepage it shows women who work at NASA and it gives a glimpse into their cildhoods and interests. What stands out most to me is that these were normal girls, some like dolls, and some liked the outdoors. It's important that these stories be told so that girls can see that a career in STEM does not require the extraordinary, just exposure and interest.