She Can STEM: 50 Trailblazing Women in Science from Ancient History to Today
The Kitchen Pantry Scientist Series
What’s inside...
Inspire young scientists with the biographies of 50 fascinating women in science past and present, each paired with a hands-on experiment that brings the history and principles of science to life. Women have been involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) for thousands of years. While many have faced obstacles because of their gender, things are changing for the better, and today there are more women than ever working in these disciplines. By examining the moments that inspired successful women to pursue STEM fields, delving into their adventures and struggles, and exploring their interests outside of science and engineering, She Can STEM gives kids a rare glimpse into the fascinating personalities behind the lab coats. Just a few of the many curious, creative, and persevering women introduced: Physicist Dr. Nadya Mason - Dr. Mason studies how electrons move through materials like carbon and graphene. She ran track in high school and was a gymnast on the United States National Team. Ecologist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer - When she was a young girl, Dr. Kimmerer loved to pick wild strawberries and nature helped her reconnect with her Potawatomi heritage. Eventually, her love of the outdoors led to a successful career as a plant ecologist and author. Physicist Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein - As a kid, Dr. Prescod-Weinstein dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. She attended a performing arts school where she trained as a dancer before going on to study astronomy and theoretical physics. Chemist Dr. Raychelle Burks - Dr. Burks has loved Agatha Christie mysteries and Star Trek since she was young. Today, she works to create hand-held sensing systems that can identify chemical clues tied to crimes. Microbiologist Dr. Esther Lederberg - Dr. Lederberg was a child during the Great Depression and was often hungry. Although she enjoyed literature, music, and French, she eventually chose biochemistry as her field of study and went on to make many important discoveries. Whether you're passionate about science, math, history, art, music, or sports, the relatable role models in She Can STEM demonstrate that with curiosity and hard work, anyone can pursue a bright future in STEM. Dig into even more incredible science history from The Kitchen Pantry Scientist series with: Physics for Kids, Chemistry for Kids, Biology for Kids, Math for Kids, and Ecology for Kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which woman in science inspired you the most, and why?
How do you think science has changed because of these women's contributions?
If you could meet any of these scientists, who would it be and what would you ask them?
What kind of obstacles do you think these women faced, and how did they overcome them?
How do you feel about pursuing a career in STEM after reading about these trailblazers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
Relate the struggles and achievements of these women to everyday challenges and successes your child may face, making it more relevant and real to them.
Discuss the historical context of these women's achievements to provide a broader understanding of their impact.
Ask your child to draw or write about a favorite scientist from the book, which can lead to a creative exploration of their story.
Create a family science project inspired by one of the experiments or discoveries mentioned in the book to make the experience interactive and fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book chronicles the stories of women who overcame significant obstacles to make groundbreaking contributions to the field of STEM.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of determination and perseverance when faced with challenges in their own academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: These trailblazing women continuously sought knowledge and innovative solutions, showing the importance of learning beyond formal education.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and explore subjects that pique their interest, fostering a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
Example Lesson: Breaking gender stereotypes
Explanation: By highlighting women's achievements in historically male-dominated fields, the book demonstrates that gender does not define capability or success.
Real-World Application: Inspires children, especially girls, to pursue their interests in any field irrespective of societal expectations.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: Many of the women's successes were achieved through collaboration with peers, demonstrating the importance of teamwork in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of working with others and how teamwork can lead to greater success and innovation.
Example Lesson: Importance of role models and mentors
Explanation: The presence of supportive mentors played a crucial role in the success of these women, showcasing the positive impact of guidance and encouragement from others.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek mentorship and to be role models for their peers, emphasizing the community's role in individual success.