Women in science always seems to be a hot topic. How can we get more girls and young women interested in science programs in elementary school, secondary school and beyond? My husband graduated with a science degree in civil engineering and only women were greatly outnumbered in his class. So, how do we get more girls interested pursuing a career in science? We can start by looking at history. What we often don’t see represented in today’s media are the amazing women who have made a profound contribution to modern science. With two growing daughters in our household, I have been looking for ways to connect our daughters to rich history of women in science and show them that women really can do anything.
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Connect Kids to the History of Women in Science
Read About Women in Science – A great place to begin an introduction of kids to women scientists is at the bookstore, or the library. There are many fabulous non-fiction and fiction children’s books focusing on famous women in science. Here are a few of our favourites.
Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World – Pioneering environmentalist, Rachel Carson was the first scientist to examine and write about the harmful impact humans have on their environment. This book celebrates her revolutionary book “Silent Spring”
Marie Curie (Biography) – Marie Curie is a dominant figure in the history of science, and for good reason. This non-fiction book takes readers through Curie’s life, scientific pursuits, discoveries and Nobel Prize winning work.
The Watcher: Jane Goodall – This beautiful picture book takes young readers through the life of Jane Goodall from her childhood in London to her adult life in the jungles of Africa.
Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer – Learn about this brilliant astronomer, Henrietta Leavitt, and be inspired by her passion for discovery in the night sky.
Learn About Women Scientists Online – Kids are so connected to the online world and there are a number of great videos that highlight the lives of women scientists from the past and present. Here are some of our favourites.
The Woman Who Saved the US Space Race – This animated video uncovers the accomplishments of three female scientists whose works had a great impact on our society…but had gone largely unrecognized.
Famous Female Scientists: 14 Great Female Scientist in History – Learn about 14 of the greatest female scientists in history…a great starting point for curious kids.
A Day in the Life of a Female Scientists – I love this video. Meet a group of present day female scientists. Check out the cool work they are doing and what inspired them to pursue a career in science.
Visit local Museums and Science Centres – Take a trip to your local museum and science centre and look for the work of female scientists. Take home any literature you find about women’s contributions to science.
Incorporate Science in Play – Make science a part of everyday play. There are so many amazing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) activities for kids available right now. Check out our STEM activity board on Pinterest as a good place to start exploring science with your kids.
There are so many incredible women scientists throughout history. Here’s hoping that by connecting our kids with these legendary women and the work they did, we can inspire future innovation and creativity.
Today’s post is part of a Multicultural Kid Blogs remarkable month long series Women in World History. Please click over and read all the other incredible posts being shared.
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Fabulous post – I remember watching things like Gorillas in the Mist, reading Jane Goodall books as a teen cementing the fact that I wanted to pursue a career in science and conservation. Although my university classes were equal males and females I was out in the field it was still a very male dominated world and as a woman I had to prove that I was as capable of all areas of the work as they were – not easy when the animals you are working with weigh a tonne!