McCreedy is one of several researchers throughout the U.S. who are joining forces with the Girl Scouts to change the way young women view science and, consequently, to increase the number of women who choose it as a career. Women can "contribute a lot," she says. "They can shatter the stereotype of scientists as white, nerdy males."
Girl Scout officials believe that young women still lag behind young men in science and math skills and that their lack of involvement with science not only denies them access to many career options, but also denies the U.S. a large pool of future researchers.
"Unfortunately, many American students, both boys and girls, are ignorant of the most rudimentary principles of science," says Mary Rose Main, national executive director of the Girl Scouts. "This problem is particularly acute among girls. Girl Scouting, with its emphasis on informal, noncompetitive education, presents an ideal environment ...
