Curricula

Activities & Experiences

African-American Women in Science, Native American Women in Science, Asian-American women in Science, Latinas in Science, Arab and North African Scientists

Narrative

This is another way to develop knowledge about women in science and to fill in gaps of history and textbooks. It involves students in directing their own scope of study and working together to assemble a project that all can contribute to.
This is a variation on several previous activities where the limits of investigation are grounded in certain social grouping frames. Clearly this maybe an investigation that surprises students due to the many omissions of science study and the study of history and social life that they may have experienced. It can be an informational aide in addressing some elements of racism and it offers to students the possibility of raising self esteem and racial and ethnic pride. It might be suggested that these activities could parallel each other so that one group might be working on African American women of science while another works on Latinas in science, etc. This offers real possibility of students of color making connections with possible role models so that each student might pursue choices that they feel a connection with. (It might be interesting and helpful to ask students why they chose their subject.) This is also an exercise where pairing boys and girls together presents some distinct possibilities for increased information about, if not understanding of, the needs for family and spousal support during the decision-making processes for emergent women in science. Due to the advent of lithographs and photography, it is highly possible to obtain images of these women scientists as part of making the connection with their choices and their lives—this would be strongly recommended. Again, students would then find an opportunity to display and share their information in several possible venues such as ‘A Walk Through History’ or wall and art displays or a collection bound into a book.

	Objectives Create a forum for studying the contributions to STEM of women throughout history. Develop personal and educational empowerment skills for young women. Develop sensitivities for students of both genders to career options decision-making for girls and women Increase awareness of possible careers and career paths in the STEM professions. Materials Needed Access to the Internet and library for research The Gender Chip Noted Female Scientists list

Guided Experience

Again, students would then find an opportunity to display and share their information in several possible venues such as ‘A Walk Through History’ or wall and art displays or a collection bound into a book.

Students collect and write up information about scientists, and then display and share this information.