Female scientist biography lesson plan

March is National Women’s History Month and the right time to ask: why are women still underrepresented in S cience, T echnology, E ngineering and M athematics (STEM)? According to a recent National Science Board report, women made up just 28 percent of science and engineering workers in 2010.

They also make up less than 10 percent of the engineering workforce, according to the MIT Women's Initiative. This lesson explores the careers of 19 great female scientists, the obstacles they overcame and asks students to look at their own schools, teachers, friends and families to see whether those obstacles continue to operate in their lives.

Subjects

History, Economics, Psychology, Sociology

Estimated Time

One 50-minute class period, plus homework for extension assignments, if desired

Grade level

9-12

Materials

Objectives

To answer the essential question, “Why are there so few women in STEM careers?” students will:

• Examine seven barriers posited Famous Scientists - NIN