Women in Botany (Science Wide Open)
Science Wide Open Series
What’s inside...
Women in Botany introduces kids to the field through the inquiries of a spunky girl, exploring the world of plants and the contributions of women botanists from different eras and regions such as Waheenee, Ynés Mexía, and Wangari Maathai. The book covers key botanical concepts and celebrates the impact of women in the field, aiming to inspire girls to learn about botany and recognize their potential to make a difference. It is part of the 'Science Wide Open' series and includes peer-reviewed content to ensure scientific accuracy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
58 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Who is your favorite female botanist from the book, and what inspires you about her story?
How do plants help our planet, and why is it important to study them?
What qualities do all these women share that helped them succeed in science?
If you were a botanist, what plant would you want to study and why?
How do you think the discoveries of these women have changed the way we look at the natural world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express which stories or characters they connected with and why, facilitating a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and curiosity, as demonstrated by the women in the book, and relate these traits to everyday challenges your child might face.
Use the biographies as a springboard to explore more about each botanist's specific plant discoveries or contributions to science with additional resources or experiments.
Create a fun learning activity such as planting seeds or visiting a botanical garden to bring the stories of these botanists to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of challenges
Explanation: The book showcases the stories of female botanists who persevered through difficulties to make significant contributions to science.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying and experimenting in their own lives, whether it's solving a difficult puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and continuous learning
Explanation: The stories highlight how these women's curiosity about plants and nature drove them to explore and learn continuously.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers about the natural world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Equality and the value of diversity in science
Explanation: These women's achievements help demonstrate that science is for everyone, irrespective of gender, encouraging a more diverse and inclusive perspective in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect everyone's contributions, promoting equality and inclusion in their interactions at school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness and stewardship
Explanation: By learning about plants and their ecosystems, the book instills a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in environmental conservation activities such as recycling or planting trees.