It’s Cool To Be A Nerd!

11. Apr
Activities

It’s cool to be a nerd!

Over time, the definition of words can change. What used to be a slight, is now a badge of intelligence and entry into the cool club.

The term ‘nerd’ was first coined in the 1950s. It is a portmanteau of the words ‘nerdy’ and ‘dorky’, and it was originally used to describe someone who was socially awkward and unpopular. But over time, the definition of the word has changed, and now it is often used to describe someone who is intelligent and passionate about a particular subject.

Being a nerd used to be seen as something negative. Nerds were the kids who got made fun of in school, and they were often considered to be outcasts. But now, being a nerd is seen as cool. Nerds are the people who are passionate about their interests, and they are often very intelligent.

So why is it now cool to be a nerd? Well, there are a few reasons. First of all, nerds are no longer seen as social outcasts. In fact, many nerds are now considered to be leaders in their field. Secondly, being a nerd often means that you are passionate and knowledgeable about a particular subject. And finally, nerds are often very successful in their chosen field.

‘Nerds’ are also the people who are running the world… just look at the founders of some of the world’s most successful companies.

So if someone calls you a nerd, don’t be ashamed! Take it as a compliment! Embrace your inner nerdiness, and show the world why it’s cool to be a nerd!

Nerd Girl Nation – 12 videos celebrating being a nerd 🙂

To help embrace your inner nerd, the team at Primary + STEM has identified this cool YouTube channel called ‘Nerd Girl Nation‘ which features a set of twelve videos that can be used to continue the conversation around girls, women and STEM opportunities.

In the videos, you’ll find stories from successful women engineers, including an industrial engineer working at Disneyland.

Some examples include:

  • Inspired by the popular show CSI, Alayna Westcom, a forensic scientist and former beauty queen shares her career journey and goals about working in a morgue. Watch her story here: https://youtu.be/t3my4L518uQ
  • Hear the stories of Rashmi Shah (NASA scientist) and Clara Nevins (a high-school activist). The two are determined to bring about change. Watch here: https://youtu.be/T9K6quF4Ymk
  • Listen to Hope Nicholson, a small press publisher and comic book historian who loves all things comics, zines, graphic novels, superheros, sci-fi, and DV vs Marvel. Listen to her here: https://youtu.be/XvwjkwGfLQA

Nerd Girl Nation forms part of the Primary + STEM team’s curated selection of Teaching Resources which have been mapped to the Victorian education curriculum.

You can find over a hundred STEM activities on the Primary + STEM website.

Information for teachers

The YouTube channel Nerd Girl Nation features a set of 12 videos that can be used to continue the conversation regarding girls, women and STEM opportunities.

This activity has been mapped to the Victorian curriculum:

  • Learning area: F-10: Design and Technologies; F-10: Digital Technologies
  • Curriculum code: Design & Technologies > Levels F to 2 > Technologies and Society > VCDSTS013; Design & Technologies > Levels 3 and 4 > Technologies and Society > VCDSTS023; Design & Technologies > Levels 5 and 6 > Technologies and Society > VCDSTS033; Digital Technologies > Levels F to 2 > Creating Digital Solutions > VCDTCD018
  • Grade level: Foundation to 6

Image credit

Photo by RODNAE Productions