This underrepresentation of females in science represents a serious drain on the talent pool for critical scientific and technical jobs. Several studies have probed the reasons behind these patterns and have concluded that girls receive differential treatment when it comes to science. The roots of the problem begin well before formal schooling. Parent and societal attitudes, adult examples, and deep-seated myths about the respective proficiencies of girls and boys are just some of the factors that shape girls' attitudes about science. Once girls enter school, their experiences are further influenced by classroom patterns, sex stereotyping, and even overt discrimination.
Girls receive less encouragement than boys from teachers, counselors, and other school personnel.
Teachers have higher expectations in science for boys and are more likely to call on boys than girls to answer complicated questions. Teachers also show girls less attention and give them less feedback. One study found that 79 percent of student-assisted science demonstrations were carried out by boys. Sometimes science classes create environments that are more comfortable for boys than for girls. For example, girls may be less familiar than boys with certain equipment or techniques, such as connecting a car battery.