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July 8, 2026

literature-v3-2026-07-08July 8, 2026

Literature v3 · Research topic

Do STEM Role Models Only Help Wealthy Students?

Imagine a visit from a female engineer doubles girls in calculus—but only in wealthy schools. We'll use national data to see if role models work for everyone.

Data DetectiveSocial ScientistStatistician in Training
Zero-cost dataPollution and impacts
8 weeksIntermediate$0 public datasets · Supplies: laptop onlyPortfolio 7/10

Why this matters

Imagine a high school where a brief visit from a female engineer doubles the number of girls taking calculus, but only in the wealthy part of town. Our project will use national survey data to uncover how socioeconomic divides shape the power of role models and the pandemic's unequal toll on STEM dreams.

Project scores

Originality7/10
Feasibility8/10
Impact7/10
Essay value8/10
Rigor6/10

Difficulty

Intermediate

This project involves analyzing a large national survey dataset from France to examine how socioeconomic status affects the impact of female STEM role models. Over 8 weeks, students will learn data cleaning, statistical analysis (regression, interaction effects), and interpretation of results. Prerequisites include basic statistics and comfort with spreadsheet or statistical software. The pace is

3 of 5 difficulty

Strengths

  • Relevant and timely topic
  • Uses real-world data
  • Builds statistical skills
  • Clearly defined research question

Skills built

  • Data analysis
  • Statistical reasoning
  • Critical thinking
  • Scientific writing
  • Literature review
  • Interpretation of interaction effects

Zero-cost data

Zero-cost data

Research gap

Imagine a high school where a brief visit from a female engineer doubles the number of girls taking calculus, but only in the wealthy part of town. Our project will use national survey data to uncover how socioeconomic divides shape the power of role models and the pandemic's unequal toll on STEM dreams.

Curriculum alignment

Pollution and impactsData and informationScientific foundations of psychology

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