This summer, Orlando Math Circle initiated a girls-only virtual space for learning and loving calculus: the Calculus Collective.
The Calculus Collective was kicked off by a three day workshop where students tackled pre-calculus topics (algebra, trigonometry, and geometry), the very beginnings of differential and integral calculus, and general advice about teenagehood and beyond. There was no particular target student in mind— students at all levels of math were invited to join— so there were students ranging from late middle school to AP Calculus veterans. For some students, this was their first interaction with this notorious branch of mathematics; for others, it was a refresher to kick off the school year. The tone of the workshop was phenomenal: students laughed and learned with one another as they rediscovered the roots of calculus, upperclassmen shared valuable advice with their younger peers, and students grew through their mistakes together. In our workshop exit ticket, every single student claimed that they felt more confident about themselves when it came to calculus.
Breakout room from the Calculus Collective workshop; working on a bounded region integral!
Mission accomplished? Not entirely— this was just the beginning.
As part of the Calculus Collective, we are also sustaining a virtual classroom in order to keep in touch with our growing sisterhood of young mathematicians. This classroom, which is run by female college mentors and women in STEM, is a space dedicated to sharing resources to help strengthen foundations in mathematics, as well as personal and professional development (during the workshop, we had students make portfolio websites so that they can keep track of their accomplishments and start to develop their professional brand). All of our calculus-readiness materials are stored in the classroom as well, so that post-workshop students may see what was accomplished (students are able to join our virtual classroom having not attended the workshop!).
Slide featured in workshop presentation concerning advice for girls navigating high school.
Why girls only?
Changing the landscape of STEM starts with bolstering underrepresented communities of students: females, Black, Latinx, and more. According to a study conducted by Colorado State University, the lack of female participation in STEM at the college level can be linked to the Calculus I (a.k.a. AP Calculus AB) juncture; this Collective is a direct response to that Calc I “pipeline leak.” Furthermore, the Calculus I “leak” is due in part to girls’ lack of confidence in their calculus skills, rather than their actual performance. In that vein, we want girls to feel empowered by calculus instead of hindered by it; we want them to recognize that they are worthy of a seat at the STEM table. By sustaining this space for girls, we are changing the landscape of STEM.
If you or someone you know would benefit from our Calculus Collective, please email sheina@orlandmathcircle.org for more information; Registration for the virtual classroom is currently open!
