2.5 "STEM Debate: Does Mentorship Close the Gender Gap?"

Objective: Students will engage in a structured debate to explore different viewpoints on how mentorship can address the gender gap in STEM. 

Instructions: 

• Divide the class into two teams: one arguing in favor of the statement “Mentorship is the key to closing the gender gap in STEM” and the other opposing it, offering alternative solutions. 
• Give each team 20 minutes to prepare their arguments, using research, statistics, and examples of mentoring programs. 
• Teams will then engage in a structured debate, presenting their points and rebuttals. 
• After the debate, the class will vote on which side presented the most compelling argument. 
• Finish with a reflective discussion on the different ways mentoring and other strategies can reduce gender inequality in STEM. 

Discussion Questions: 

• What are the strengths of mentoring programs in addressing the gender gap? 
• What are some challenges or limitations of mentoring as a solution? 
• What other strategies might help increase gender equity in STEM?