It’s Women’s History Month, but if we’re being honest we could do a better job of teacher our kids about the amazing accomplishments of women in history throughout the year. I decided to highlight women in STEM today but it’s always a great idea when covering a historical period or region of the world to make sure you’re touching on the women who shaped that history, too.
But looking at women in STEM is especially important for both girls and boys, because gendered stereotypes about who has careers in science start early.
While we all know about Marie Curie and Jane Goodall, there are so many women in the sciences to be celebrated. You can start by reading books about women in STEM. This list from Color of Us covers multicultural books about women in STEAM, including Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina in space; Wu Chien Shiung, the first female instruction at Princeton; and Maya Lin, who designed the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., among others. The books are arranged by age from preschool up, so there’s material for your kids not matter their ages.
Science Sparks has printable fact files for several women in science, including Rosalind Franklin, Florence Nightingale and Marie M. Daly. There’s also a list of movies and books in this post to help you learn more.
Parents Magazine has a good article about women in STEM we should be teaching our kids about, including historical figures and contemporary scientists.
Darcy and Brian has a great collection of women in STEM coloring pages you can use to help learn about different women. The post includes a little information about each person, as well as other activities, books and resources for learning more (the download is free when you sign up for emails).
Pick a woman for your child/each child in your class to research, or let them learn about someone in a field they are interested in.
[Photos via Science Sparks, Darcy and Brian.]
Here are 5 women you may not have heard of but are worthy of a mention.
Dr. Frances Arnold – Dr. Arnold is a biochemical engineer who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her work in directed evolution. She is a pioneer in the field of synthetic biology and has developed new methods for creating enzymes that are useful in various applications.
Dr. Katie Bouman – Dr. Bouman is a computer scientist and a key member of the team that developed the first-ever image of a black hole. She created the algorithm that made it possible to process the vast amounts of data collected by the Event Horizon Telescope.
Dr. Jennifer Doudna – Dr. Doudna is a biochemist who co-invented the revolutionary CRISPR gene editing tool. Her work has opened up new avenues for research in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
Dr. Mae Jemison – Dr. Jemison is a physician and astronaut who was the first African American woman to travel to space. She is also a strong advocate for STEM education and encourages young people, particularly girls and minorities, to pursue careers in science.
Dr. Huda Zoghbi – Dr. Zoghbi is a neurologist and geneticist who discovered the gene responsible for Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects young girls. Her work has shed new light on the underlying causes of autism and other developmental disorders.
Book Review’ STEAM Kids Christmas: Science As the holiday season approaches, many parents may find themselves struggling to keep their kids entertained while also promoting education. Thankfully, STEAM Kids Christmas: Science offers a solution to this common problem. This book is full of engaging activities that blend the festive spirit of Christmas with the principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. From creating ice ornaments to building your own snowflakes, STEAM Kids Christmas: Science is sure to inspire young minds and encourage a love for learning.
Print and Play Winter Science Activities – Looking for a fun and educational way to keep your kids entertained during the winter months? Look no further than Print and Play Winter Science Activities! This collection of hands-on activities and experiments is designed to teach kids about the science behind the season. From making snow slime to exploring the properties of ice, these activities are sure to spark curiosity and excitement in children of all ages. So why not embrace the winter weather and engage in some fun, interactive learning with Print and Play Winter Science Activities?
St. Patrick’s Day STEM Project Ideas With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, many parents may be searching for fun and educational activities to celebrate the holiday with their kids. Look no further than St. Patrick’s Day STEM Project Ideas! This collection of projects and experiments is designed to teach kids about the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math, while also incorporating the festive spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. From building leprechaun traps to creating your own rainbow, St. Patrick’s Day STEM Project Ideas is sure to bring a little luck of the Irish to your family’s learning.
20 Weather STEM Activities for Kids Weather is an important part of our daily lives, and learning about it can be both fascinating and educational for kids. That’s why 20 Weather STEM Activities for Kids is such a valuable resource. This collection of activities and experiments is designed to teach kids about the science behind weather phenomena such as clouds, precipitation, and wind. From making your own barometer to creating a tornado in a bottle, these activities are sure to inspire curiosity and a love for learning in kids of all ages. So why not get started with 20 Weather STEM Activities for Kids today?
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