It is Women’s History Month and I wanted to make sure you had some resources to use to teach about some of the amazing women in science and their contributions. This post contains affilate links, you can read my full disclosure here. 

 Jane Goodall

There is something almost magical about Dr. Jane Goodall and the way she speaks about her experiences in Africa and with her treasured chimpanzees.  She began her journey of a lifetime of observation and passion for chimpanzees and conservation when she arrived in the Gombe forest at the age of 26.

Dr. Goodall is an advocate for creating understanding and partnerships between humans and the other native species in the areas that they populate.  Although, she is as soft-spoken as a preschool teacher her message comes across clearly and you are always left feeling like there is more you can do.

She is empowering people all over the globe to take up the fight for conservation and realize the role of each species on our planet.  She travels and speaks worldwide and recently released a masterclass.

You can also learn more about her and her work via the Jane Goodall Institute.

I am Jane Goodall (Ordinary People Change the World)The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the ChimpsWho Is Jane Goodall?  (Who Was? series)

Are you looking for teaching ideas or resources?

I have a printable for you of Famous Women in STEM, additionally, you can check out this set of lapbooks and notebooking focused on Jane Goodall and her work for younger students.

Barbara McClintock

Dr. McClintock spent her life in genetics research receiving a doctorate degree (in botany) from Cornell University in 1927.  After earning her degree, she became part of an elite group of scientists studying maize cytogenetics (the genetics of corn at the cellular level).

Her research focused on genetic mutation and plant reproduction.  Ultimately earning her a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1983 for her work on the ability of genes to change position on the chromosome (genetic transposition).

Dr. McClintock died at the age of 90 in 1992.

Barbara McClintock: Alone in Her Field (Science Superstars)You Are Unique : An Introduction to Genetics – Biology for Kids | Children’s Biology BooksDNA Extraction – Easy Peasy Science Fair Project Kit –Top Science Learning Kit

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Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson began working in aeronautics as a “computer” in 1952, eventually the formation of NASA  allowed her to work in the space program. She, along with other mathematicians, performed the calculations that sent astronauts into orbit in the early 1960s and to the moon in 1969.  Her life’s work was highlighted in the book and subsequent film Hidden Figures.  These women were known not only for their contribution to science, but their willingness to challenge the racism and underlying culture that was hostile to both minorities and women.

Other Hidden Figures of NASA

• Miriam Daniel Mann
• Kathryn Peddrew
• Christine Darden
• Annie Easley
• Mary Jackson

Katherine Johnson (You Should Meet)Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13Hidden Figures Young Readers’ EditionRise of the Rocket Girls: the Women who Propelled UsKatherine Johnson (My Itty-Bitty Bio)

Looking for teaching tools?  Grab the Famous Women in STEM booklet (with answer key).  Enter your name and email below.

Kathryn D. Sullivan

Dr. Sullivan holds a doctorate in geology and is a former astronaut.  She is the first American woman to walk in space and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2004.

Dr. Sullivan went on to work in science as a civilian. She has worked with the NOAA in various roles and in 2017 she was named 2017 Charles A. Lindbergh Chair of Aerospace History.

Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact (National Geographic Kids)To the Stars!: The First American Woman to Walk in SpaceWomen in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures (Women of Action)DK Readers L1: LEGO® Women of NASA: Space Heroes

Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Sullivan is known for her contributions in leading the team that developed the onboard software for the Apollo missions.  She coined the phrase software engineer during that time and is considered a pioneer of computer science.

She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her contributions to NASA and the Apollo program.

Directed the division at MIT which developed on-board flight software for the Apollo space program. She coined the phrase software engineer.  Her contributions to space exploration including the development of the on-board flight software were recognized by President Barack Obama when she received the Presidential

Margaret and the MoonBloxels Build Your Own Video GameLEGO Ideas Women of Nasa 21312 Building Kit (231 Piece)

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