Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World



Last updated Monday, November 6, 2017

Author: Rachel Ignotofsky
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1607749769
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2017

Synopsis: A charmingly illustrated and educational book, New York Times best seller Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more!

Note to readers:
•  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
•  There are info graphics to point out on pages: 32-33, 60-61, 84-85, 114-115
•  Glossary on page 118
•  You can read about any individual. Suggested readings on pages: 9, 19, 29, 37, 45, 69, 75, 91, 107, and 109.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like STEM subjects?
•  Do you know any women who work in science?
•  What scientific event happened this year? (Solar Eclipse)

Vocabulary

•  Dissertation - a piece of writing about a particular subject that is done to earn an advanced degree in university
•  Heritage - the traditions, achievements, and beliefs that are part of the history of a group or nation
•  Communicable - able to be passed to another person
•  Resembled - to look or be like someone or something
•  Perspective - a way of thinking about and understanding something
•  Conservation - the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources
•  Viscosity - thick or sticky

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you heard of any of the women in the book?
•  Have you heard of any of the STEM fields in the book?
•  Have you gotten to do any experiments in your science class at school?
•  Have you heard of any of the discoveries/inventions of these women?

Craft ideas:
•  Use dark paper as background and paste cut-out shapes similar to pictures in the book - astronaut helmet/suit, doctor tools, animals & leaves, microscope, etc.
•  Draw yourself as a scientist.
•  Check our craft ideas for on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/november-2017-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Complete the provided word search.
•  Watch Mae Jemison YouTube video interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0vGDfuWhfI

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!