She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference
#3 of 40 in She Persisted Series
What’s inside...
She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference, by Chelsea Clinton, is part of the 'She Persisted' series that celebrates women's contributions to science. The book features the stories of female scientists who faced gender discrimination and societal challenges but persisted to make pioneering discoveries. It highlights a diverse group of women from different backgrounds and eras, emphasizing their determination and impact on science. The book aims to empower young readers, especially girls, by presenting role models from the STEM field.
Discussion points
Why do you think persistence is important in science?
Can you think of a time when you persisted through a challenge? What helped you keep going?
Which scientist from the book do you find most inspiring and why?
How do you think the discoveries of these women have changed the way we live today?
What qualities do all these scientists share that helped them succeed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to persistence and how it has helped you overcome obstacles.
Discuss the different fields of science mentioned in the book, and see if any particularly pique your child’s interest.
Encourage your child to think about how the achievements of these scientists can be applied in everyday life.
Use the stories from the book as examples to instill values of determination, curiosity, and resilience in your child.
After reading the book, engage in a fun activity like a simple science experiment to foster a deeper interest in the subject.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book profiles various women scientists who faced numerous challenges but continued to pursue their goals relentlessly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and keep trying, even when things get tough, whether in academics, sports, or any other activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and inquiry
Explanation: The stories of these brilliant women show how their curiosity led them to make groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore, and engage deeply with subjects that interest them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Gender equality in science and education
Explanation: The book highlights the achievements of women in fields traditionally dominated by men, showing that intellectual capacity is not determined by gender.
Real-World Application: Promotes the understanding that boys and girls should have equal opportunities in education and career choices.
Example Lesson: Value of education and continuous learning
Explanation: These women’s stories underscore the importance of education in achieving personal and professional goals.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take their education seriously and view learning as a stepping stone to success.
Example Lesson: Impact of collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: Many scientists discussed in the book collaborated with others in their field, leading to major achievements.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of working with others, sharing ideas, and supporting peers to achieve common goals.