The Gender Chip Project film Discussion Guide

Narrative

Discussions offer a place for everyone to bring their experiences together in a community of learning. In order to begin conversations about some of the issues raised in the Gender Chip we have created a series of discussion starters. With modification, these questions can be used with all age groups.

	Materials Needed The Gender Chip Technology for viewing the film Venue with moveable seating to allow for a discussion circle or square Tips Ask discussants to write down their ideas if too many hands are raised at once. To keep discussion flowing, suggest that discussants summarize what the last speaker said and then link their comments so that a flow of thought is created. At the end of the discussion, allowing a 30 second statement or pass from each person can make sure that all had a chance to have their voice heard.

Possible Discussion Questions

• What were the skills these young women needed to enter science programs? What skills did they need to complete the program? How are these skills different?
• What is the role of laughter in the movie?
• Where does each young woman's ideas seem to come from?
• What is the source of strength for each of these young women?
• What internal conflicts is each of these young women facing? What resources and supports allow them to face these conflicts?
• What external hurdles are these young women facing? What resources and supports allow them to overcome these hurdles?
• How does each young woman define success?
• How does each young woman define herself?
• Is there a difference between how these young women define success and how they define themselves?
• What does learning mean to each young woman?
• How did each young woman go about asking for help? Did some seem to need assistance through a critical juncture and not ask?
• What clues did each woman offer that she was facing a critical juncture in her learning experience?