Learning about Women in Science

Why do we teach about women in science?

March is women’s history month and March 8th is International Women’s Day. The purpose of both is to reflect and learn about the often overlooked contributions of women to American history. In my science class, I like to make March women in science history month in my middle school science classroom. We learn about the men in science often – Newton, Galileo, Darwin, Armstrong – and I fear that gives girls the wrong impression that they can’t be influencers in science. Representation matters – showing girls that women can and do make a difference in the field of science, and in all fields, is important. The theme for this year’s women’s history month is “Women providing healing, promoting hope.” I think naturally of women like Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale, Virginia Apgar and Sally Ride.

How to incorporate women in science into your already busy day

• Have a conversation about “scientists.” I usually have students draw what they think a scientist looks like and then compare. Almost always, students draw men (usually with nerdy glasses and a pocket protector). Then show them pictures of women in science like these women in science. Ask your students to challenge their own preconceptions of what doing “science” looks like. Lead the discussion to analyzing why people think science is for boys and how to change that idea. Share this video as a springboard.
• Talk about Rosalind Franklin as much as you do James Watson – both made discoveries that opened up the field of molecular biology. Talk about Sally Ride as much as you do Neil Armstrong – both were groundbreaking astronauts.
• Have students research women in science. Start with a list to choose from (so you don’t have 45 Marie Curie posters) – I include as many different fields as I can ranging from Rachel Carson to Katherine Johnson and Ada Lovelace.
• Hang pictures of famous women in science around your room and encourage students to explore the lives of the women they relate to. This activity includes 12 photos with mini biographies and guided questions.
• Assign an exploration into famous women in science with these digital Boom cards.
• More great ideas on the Classroom Innovation site “7 Women Scientists to Integrate into Your Lesson Plans.” Check it out here.

Share your ideas to incorporate women in science by commenting below. Let’s all celebrate Women in (Science) History month with our students!