Welcome to Build IT!

Build IT is an after school and summer youth-based curriculum for middle school girls to develop IT fluency, interest in mathematics, and knowledge of IT careers. This problem-based curriculum capitalizes on girls' interest in design and communication technologies and incorporates performance tasks for IT fluency assessment. Build IT provides structured interactions with IT professionals, including having girls participate in engineering design and development teams. Build IT's use of the design process, assessment system, co-design for development, and a train-the-trainer approach to building STEM capacity in informal learning provides strategies for practitioners and opportunities for research.

Build IT's goals are to

• motivate middle school girls to use technology and to build their technology fluency.
• increase middle school girls' interest in and desire to take high school algebra, geometry, and computer science courses in preparation for postsecondary STEM education and/or careers.
• increase middle school girls' interest in IT and pursuing IT careers.
• enhance staff capacity to provide IT fluency programming.
  

View the PBS-produced video of Build IT in action

This website provides several paths into the curriculum materials:

For educators, you may want to start with the links below that guide managers and facilitators into the materials. Then explore the rest of the site: Curriculum, Program Resources, Your Staff, and About Build IT.

For researchers, you may want to go to About Build IT first to read the research papers and presentations. Then explore the rest of the site: Curriculum, Program Resources, Your Staff, and the links for managers and facilitators.

Manager/Director/Coordinator

• What technology do you need? (1) one computer (PC or Mac) with high speed Internet access for every 2-3 participants; (2) LCD projector; and (3) computers should all have a minimum of 50 MB of hard disk space and 64 MB of RAM. Learn more...
• How do you recruit IT Professionals? Each unit MUST include a minimum of two interactions with IT professionals through visits or field trips. These encounters are critical for encouraging youth's interest in IT careers. Learn more...
• How does Build IT fit in at your site? Find tips about implementing Build IT at your specific site in Site Scenarios. Learn more...
• How do you support your staff in implementing Build IT? Staff will need one or two professional development sessions per unit, curriculum discussions, and occasional support with girls on high-technology days. Learn more...

Facilitator

• Where do you begin with the curriculum? You'll want to be very familiar with the curriculum before you lead a session with the girls. Take time read the preparation sections and do the activity your self before implementation. Learn more...
• What materials will you need? Each session provides a detailed list of suggested materials for the activity including technology and any background information you'll need to lead the lesson. Learn more...
  Remember to check the technology before you begin each session!
• How do you recruit girls? Check out the recruitment materials and advice from other Girls Inc. affiliates on how to recruit girls to Build IT. Learn more...
• How do you engage girls? Understanding girls' familiarity with technology and design will help you structure the program to work well for you and them. Learn more...