Women in science is a hot topic around our house. 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 women were greatly outnumbered by men in his graduating class. So, how do we get more girls interested in pursuing a career in science? For me, I find books are always a great place to start. This is why I pulled together this collection of the best children’s books about female scientists…a great collection to explore during Women’s History Month and on International Women’s Day.
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I always find that the best place to start examining an issue is to look at the history. What we often don’t see represented in today’s media are all of 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 the rich history of women in science and show them that women really can do anything.
This is why I loved pulling together this collection of famous female scientists for kids to learn about. Reading books is a great jumping-off point for kids, so these amazing children’s books about female scientists are sure to inspire young readers in your home or your classroom.
Awesome Books About Women in Science for Kids
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”
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist – Learn how Mary Anning’s love of fossil hunting on the beaches in England led to her discovery of dinosaur bones. Anning would go on to shape the science of paleontology for generations to come.
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.
Black Women In Science: A Black History Book for Kids – This book brings together the stories of often-overlooked Black women who have made contributions to the field of science.
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.
Women in Science – Discover all the amazing ways that women changed the world of STEM. This book explores the stories of women from around the world.
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.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientists – If you have a child who is interested in marine biology then they have to learn the story of Eugenie Clark. Her remarkable story will spark a love of the oceans, science and ocean life, in all who read it.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin – The sing-song text of this book will carry you through the story of Dr. Temple Grandin, a woman who would change farming in America and beyond. Dr. Grandin didn’t let the doubts of others hold her back.
Super Women in Science – This fabulous book collects together the stories of 10 different female scientists – from past and present.
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 Scientists 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 Scientist – 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.
Today’s post is part of 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!