Girls in Physics
Nicole Burnett
Flinders University
The participation of girls in science has been a long debated issue. At present, girls are
still a disadvantaged group when it comes to the science curriculum. A number of authors
have acknowledged the curriculum design, teaching methods and assessment tasks have
not necessarily been favourable for girls in the uptake of science.
This paper, based on my experience of being the only female in a physics class of all
male students, examines the underlying reasons for girls not wanting to pursue a study in
physics and thus a career in a related field.
Teaching methods, girls perception of the subject and their experience in the science
learning are examined. Solutions to address the uptake of physics by females and to
encourage participation are discussed. The findings of a research study undertake in two
schools in South Australia are highlighted.