Women, Girls, and Math (broadcast Friday, September 21st, 2007)

Ira discusses math education with Danica McKellar--aka Winnie Cooper on the the television series "The Wonder Years." McKellar, who graduated from UCLA with a degree in math, is the author of "Math Doesn't Suck." (Credits: Produced by Flora Lichtman) See More Videos

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n this hour, we'll look at the progress American girls are making in mathematics.

First up, we'll talk to actress Danica McKellar, who also has a degree in mathematics and graduated summa cum laude from UCLA. She says being smart and good at math is very cool, and she's just published a book on math for middle school girls. Plus, a team of U.S. girls recently traveled to China to compete in the China Girls Mathematical Olympiad and held their own, with one team member tying for first place. We'll talk with one of the team's coaches, and a member of the U.S. girls team. And we'll ask a mathematician and college president about the best ways to boost the number of girls and women who succeed in mathematics. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.