How to Win Girls' Hearts with STEM Education | Melanie Flores | TEDxAlpharettaWomen

Middle school can be social hell because it's when kids start caring about what other kids think. So why did Melanie Flores stick with STEM despite hearing taunts like "You're such a nerd" and "No one likes you"? Learn three ways you can help a girl's interest in STEM to survive the rocky middle school years. Melanie Flores leverages what a mentor calls “an extremely rare combination - an MIT brain and a teacher’s heart” to empower children and build human connection. She has started up Corning’s optical fiber factory in the Charlotte, NC area, founded a popular kindergarten engineering design workshop, and led the STEM coaching team serving Easter Seals teachers across metro Atlanta. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lisaleppert6166]

You would be a great speaker at my daughters' school. They attend a SYWL which concentrates on getting girls to college and stresses STEAM courses.

[@barbarawallace2311]

Well said, Melanie. I can relate to the difficulties of being a teenage girl who loved math and science. I was not "popular" but I stuck with my love of the sciences and made contributions in the fields of networking, system engineering and software along the way. My life has been well lived and richer because of my desire to learn about the world around us. I am still learning... and I am old... I feel that girls should be encouraged to participate more fully in STEM projects in middle school and beyond. This is a time when children begin to investigate all the things they have experienced, become curious about life and question what they do not understand. Teachers who help girls engage actively in science projects, learn about scientific methods, technology, mathematics and engineering are to be valued as developers of the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers of our universe. Well said, Melanie.

[@octogifts9858]

Thank you Barbara!

[@dennisbuttimerspeakercoach2456]

Awesome talk, Melanie! Such great substance and a very creative approach. I see your superpower in action! Your talk and work is making a difference in teens (and parents) lives! Cheers!

[@gableeaton5311]

Melanie, you are an inspiration! I am sharing this with a few good friends with daughters.

[@SecureGirl]

Very well stated, Melanie. Wonderful ideas and encouragement for how girls can develop a passion for STEM.

[@LucyRockprincess]

Great video - especially the story-telling

[@TheNarratorworld]

STEM= Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

[@EquilibriaInc]

Great job Melanie!

[@ShellSellars-Smith]

My favorite neighbor! Go Melanie!

[@sanchitrajput1002]

Please Add English subtitles...

[@ankit619]

What's STEM? Forgot to tell.

[@justnothing7080]

Maybe we need to pause the video and Google for that acronym first before coming back to resume it.

[@revatilokhande7121]

1:02

[@ankit619]

@@revatilokhande7121 Well it could have been a bit more elaborate

[@cartoonbnw660]

A BS video, wasting 14 precious minutes of watchers time.