Our Process and Principles

To accomplish its goals of supporting women in STEM, WiSE uses published research and reasoning. We are a science-based event after all.

Our booth design process relies heavily on the findings published by the Exploratorium in their EDGE (Exhibit Design for Girls’ Engagement) initiative to “to identify the most important design attributes for engaging girls at STEM exhibits.” We incorporate several of their design attributes into our own event:

Use Drawings

At WiSE 2019, we aim to have drawings accompanying many of our demonstrative or hands-on booths. Often when faced with a new activity or challenge, it can be daunting to take any first steps without a clue as to how to solve the problem. EDGE research shows that a simple drawing explaining the science behind a concept, or a diagram that visually portrays a process can create a more comfortable environment for experimentation.

Allow Several People to Experience the Phenomenon

Another discovery of the EDGE initiative is that engagement goes up along with the ability for social interaction or collaboration. Their research showed that this allowance for sociability and group-problem solving allowed girls to feel more comfortable; tackling challenges together helped dispel feelings of isolation and insecurity, and promoted a fun, communal feel.

Open-Ended Exhibits

One of the aspects of EDGE design that we found particularly salient and applicable to our event was the necessity for open-ended exhibits. For many people, women especially-as research has shown, the idea failure or humiliation can act as a strong deterrent to risk-taking and experimentation. At WiSE, we focus on creating open-ended booths that showcase science, but in a way that allows open-ended exploration.

Playful or Humorous Booths

Many of our booths, such as Dippin’ Dots, Virtual Reality and Air Hockey with Dry Ice incorporate a more fun, playful aspect of science. EDGE’s findings showed that female engagement was boosted when this attribute was added due to the lack of seriousness in science booths that many girls find stifling or stressful. WiSE aims to find a balance between presenting the hard science and the fun that comes along with it.

Provide Previews and Demonstrations

This aspect of EDGE design was also aimed at eliminating any feelings of cluelessness and insecurity in experimentation. For any hands-on booths, there will be a woman there to guide attendees and provide demonstrations, adding a level of comfort and security.

Mentorship & Panel

The last design element of our event comes not from EDGE, but from other research showing just how important it is for women to have professional mentors in their lives. WiSE’s panel showcases incredible, trailblazing women in STEM who can provide girls with advice, resources, and inspiration to push forward with their passions. We believe that their guidance and experience will be enormously helpful in providing confidence and empowerment in girls’ exploration of STEM.