MINT stands for mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. Specialists from these areas are “the key factor for Upper Austria as an industrial location,” says Joachim Haindl-Grutsch, Managing Director of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) Upper Austria. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of staff here.
In order to get children – especially girls – of elementary and middle school age enthusiastic about MINT subjects, the state of Upper Austria and the IV have launched two new projects: the “Maths Night”, which was held for the first time yesterday on the campus of Johannes Kepler University has taken place. The “scavenger hunt”, designed for schoolchildren from the sixth grade upwards, is about solving mathematical codes in a team. Another tool for children in the third and fourth grades of elementary school is the computer game “Robitopia”, which was designed by the MINTality Foundation. The players travel from planet to planet and solve tasks in the areas of the environment, medicine or electrical engineering. The pedagogical development was supported by the University of Education.
“It’s not that difficult to get girls interested in technology,” says Therese Niss, head of the MINTality Foundation and VP member of the National Council. “They like to approach math toys.” But the challenge is “maintaining interest,” says Niss.
Games like “Robitopia” are effective because they “reduce inhibiting factors that arouse competition and thus stereotypical role models can also be reduced”. It is also important to get the teachers to work with the tool and show them “how easy this game actually is”. Careers in technology are particularly interesting for girls “because they result in financial independence, since these professions are crisis-proof”.
“We support women in using their talents with self-confidence,” says Christine Haberlander (VP), Minister for Education. Digital training is now “one of the basic professional requirements”.
Mathematics as a “fear subject”
All efforts are also about “moving mathematics from a fear subject to a future subject,” emphasizes Haindl-Grutsch.
Source: Nachrichten
