Rebecca Walker

Walker’s innovative teaching idea, “bCuriosity Killed the Stereo,” was developed after she observed that the majority of girls showed less interest in many STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities she offered. After following up with some research, Walker realized that girls are at a disadvantage in their early exposure to spatial skills and engineering play. By creating and providing 'MakerSpace' materials that are geared towards girls’ interests and their documented love of reading, the program will provide an environment that encourages spatial awareness, provides positive female role models in engineering, and inspires girls to create. The items used in the makerspace were developed by a female engineer whose purpose was to overcome gender bias in children's toys and encourage girls’ interests and confidence in skills deemed important in STEM jobs. Walker hopes the program will help close the disadvantage gap for females pursuing careers in STEAM.