Parents Gateway

Probably the toughest job as a parent (or aunt , uncle, or other family or friend) is to know how to be supportive and encouraging of students' career goals.  Included on this page are links to interesting resources to help you learn more about careers in the sciences--especially physics.  Don't feel limited to viewing this Gateway, you may also go to the Students  and Educators Gateways for additional information.  All of the information is also found via links from the DREAM Philosophy page.  Enjoy!

Resources for Parents

There are wide variety of places to find resources about mentoring students--and we do mean mentoring (nurturing and encouraging) students.  A good place to start is a publication that provides some tips for promoting mentoring.  We will let author Sandra Harding's mentoring list that I have adapted below be our guide:

* starting early [in terms of exposure to science enrichment programs]
* a continuing focus on rigorous preparation in science and especially mathematics through the pipeline
* promoting hands-on involvement through activities such as science fairs and projects (link to the EYH Conference web site)
* contact with role models who are minority women -- see ISU Physics Students & Alumni link as well as Profile of Women Scientists; you may also download the pdf of my 2003 Women's History Month exhibit at the Normal Public Library featuring ISU Women Scientists.
* availability of appropriate career information -- download the pdf for the American Physical Society career booklet Physics in Your Future  as well as the American Physical Society Student Career Guidance and other links of interest.
* early exposure to research [in their chosen field]; and download a handout listing a sampling of the ISU Physics Department equity and diversity resources
* directly addressing gender and race specific issues, such as combining marriage and family, addressing clash of culture -- download this handout about equity based organizations you can contact for more resources
* an opportunity for early work experience in science-related employment

Advice from a Parent and Educator
Parents and others mentoring students for college have good suggestions--Physics Teacher Educator Carl Wenning's Advice to all our daughters and sons.

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Pate last updated 11/17/04gfj