By Robert Mobley

If you’re involved in STEM classes or research, you’ve likely come across the term “sample size.” Understanding sample size is crucial, whether you’re an undergraduate planning an independent research project, a graduate student preparing a lab research plan, or someone just trying to find out if the research paper you read has valid results. This stats primer will help you grasp one of the most important aspects of conducting and analyzing research.

By Aubrey Patterson

​Despite progress in increasing women’s access to educational and career opportunities, girls and young women remain underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A Forbes report on STEM education notes that women account for only 28% of the STEM workforce in the US, with female scientists facing challenges like burnout and unequal wages. The report highlights that girls often lose interest in math and science as they advance through their education, but addressing these concerns can start with education.

To encourage more girls to pursue STEM degrees and careers, it's crucial to make STEM topics engaging and relevant to the real world. One effective approach is to introduce girls to robot toys, both in the classroom and at home. These toys can spark an early interest in math and science and help develop essential skills in STEM.

Building STEM Foundations Through Play

The toy industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of STEM skills in children's development. Many robot toys are now designed to teach foundational coding and programming.

For example, primary school teachers have reported success using the KIBO robot to teach kids how to code without relying on a screen. The KIBO15 STEAM Robot uses barcode technology and blocks that children can scan to execute sequential commands such as moving forward, flashing lights, and making sounds.

Kits like the Boolean Box, a build-it yourself computer kit for girls, include programming lessons and simple circuitry tasks.

Robot toys like these facilitate learning of engineering design principles, from brainstorming and planning to creation and testing.

Combine education and playtime

Many robot toys focus on combining education and playtime into a fulfilling learning experience. Reviews of robot unicorn toys, like those by Robot Pet Friends, show how STEM education can be fun and engaging.

For example, the UBTECH Unicornbot, a highly-rated robot toy, engages young girls in coding by allowing them to build, customize, and program its 440 snap-together parts. They can choose sensors and commands to execute actions like poses and light-up colors, blending STEM learning with creativity.
 
Foster hands-on, collaborative learning

Robot toys can also be used to support hands-on, collaborative learning. Instead of structured lessons, educators can encourage kids to work on building and coding projects with their peers, providing experiential learning through critical thinking. problem-solving, and resolving mistakes together.

However, as noted in an article by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, it's important for teachers to set ground rules to ensure productive collaboration. Assigning specific tasks and ensuring young girls are represented in leadership roles can create a balanced and effective learning environment.
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Robot toys are more than just advanced platforms for fun. They can create intuitive, engaging, and collaborative learning environments for girls interested in STEM. And, as young female learners decide to pursue STEM in higher education, they can refer to resources like Scientista for continued guidance on their educational journey.

By Nektaria Riso

I’m technologically challenged. Actually, maybe ‘challenged’ isn’t the most accurate word. I prefer ‘technologically hesitant’, which I have defined as someone who can navigate tech pretty well, but will always believe a human brain is better than a computer (especially when it comes to my schoolwork).

So, when ChatGPT was launched to the public, I was very, very, very hesitant to jump on the bandwagon and get into the craze. I mean, I have been writing my entire life, and now I’m supposed to believe that a chatbot with no feelings, no lived experiences, can write better than me! Nope, not buying it.

Well, I was wrong. My first experience with ChatGPT happened because a friend suggested using it to explain complex medical concepts. So, I began typing in prompts like “Explain T cell development to me like a 5-year-old” and my life changed! I started using ChatGPT to summarize topics, organize information into tables, refine my writing, and I haven’t looked back. So, I wondered, “What other AI tools can make my life easier as a student?”

By Nektaria Riso

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve achieved your life-long dream: getting into medical school! I’m sure you’re experiencing a lot of different emotions right now. When I received my acceptance, I was in disbelief – a feeling which quickly turned into excitement, and once that had worn off, I was oddly…anxious. I had spent so much time focusing on getting into medical school that I had barely spared a thought to what I would do if I got in. I mean, how do I prepare for this new chapter of my life? Was my undergrad studying enough? Will I make any friends? Is there an orientation? Are my immunizations up to date?

Well, have no fear! I have compiled a few tips for how to start medical school off on the best foot possible and keep those first-day jitters at bay! 

By Celine Nugroho

By Trinity Vey

By Rowan P. Marshall

​We’ve all been there: it’s the end of class and suddenly your professor is saying that the big exam is in two days. Two days?! How did that happen? You haven’t started studying at all yet and there’s a lot of material to cover – what do you do? 

By Rowan P. Marshall

​Whether you are a student currently looking at schools or someone who has already graduated, you have probably come across the term ‘honors’ during your academic career. ​For many people, this term may seem ambiguous and unfamiliar. In high school, honors refers to the different cords worn at graduation or organizations such as National Honor Society. In college, honors has a much broader definition. ​