Check out the selection of books below to learn about some inspiring women scientists from around the globe. Historically seen as a male preserve, many of these women broke boundaries in the field of science. Including stories about female scientists, ranging from botanists to virologists, up to the present day, readers are sure to learn something new.
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Dinosaur Lady
by Linda Skeers (author) and Marta Álvarez Miguéns (illustrator)
Review: The story of Mary Anning’s (1799 – 1847) remarkable contributions to science is wonderfully told in this beautifully illustrated book. Addressing the discovery of the first ichthyosaur skeleton, her realization that bezoars were fossilised faeces and the unearthing of a pterosaur skeleton, this book shows how Mary’s discoveries and knowledge paved the way for the beginning of palaeontology. Written as a narrative text, this is a super, accessible introduction to palaeontology. Sure to be a firm favourite among young dinosaur enthusiasts!
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8 years
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Fossil Hunters: Share different examples of fossils with students. Inspired by Mary Anning, make a homemade hammer and hunt for fossils. Make these with students beforehand. Bury them, then students can dig for them and chisel the fossils away.
Get Creative: Arts and mathematics link – Recreate a life-size skeleton of one of the dinosaurs that Mary Anning created. Students could use plaster of Paris, chicken wire and papier-mȃché or cardboard tubes to create the bones. Display the model. If a life-size model is too big, students can scale the skeleton down with support or independently.
June Almeida, Virus Detective
by Suzanne Slade (author) and Elisa Paganelli (illustrator)
Review: A fascinating read, this book introduces readers to June Almeida (1930 – 2007), the renowned virologist. Beginning with her early childhood in Glasgow, Scotland, this book follows June’s life giving readers a glimpse into what drove her, her interests and some of her discoveries. Harnessing her love of photography, June’s work with electron magnoscopes and virus imaging led to the discovery of the first coronavirus. Deeply affected by the death of her younger brother when she was only 10 years old, June wanted to help people with illnesses like his. The human side of this book really brings June and her achievements to life. End pages featuring a timeline, selected biography and references to COVID-19 highlight her achievements further and make this a must-read.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 – 9 years old. In my opinion, this would also work with slightly older students as an introduction to June Almeida or virus imaging and identification.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: A Perfect Pairing: Having read about June Almeida’s life, explore the role of photography in other discoveries. Read the stunning Caldecott Medal winning book Snowflake Bentley. Use this as a springboard to learn more about Snowflake Bentley and/or carry out a nature study.
Let’s Go Further (for older students): Suzanne Slade briefly mentions June Adelaide’s research into rubella, hepatitis B and HIV viruses, students could find out about her work in one of these areas.
The Leaf Detective
by Heather Lang (author) and Lana Christy (illustrator)
Review: This charming book tells the story of Meg Lowman (b.1953). Fascinated by leaves from an early age, she became the first scientist to physically explore the rainforest canopies earning her the name “Canopy Meg”. A fascinating read, the book describes some of the ingenious ways Meg overcame the difficulties of carrying out her research, such as creating a harness out of seat belts and designing the first rainforest canopy walk. This highly informative book ends with examples of Meg’s conservation around the world. Stunning illustrations accompany a beautifully written narrative text, that can be used as a language study in itself. The text is interspersed with quotes from Meg, as well as facts about leaves and the forest ecosystem, enhancing the reading experience. This book comes highly recommended as an introduction to Meg Lowman’s life, discoveries and ongoing work.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 10 years. This would also be a great introduction to Meg for older (middle school age) students.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Be Inspired: Find out more about Meg’s work by visiting her website and the Tree Foundation to learn about forest conservation. These sites are highly engaging for older primary and also secondary age students.
Be A Leaf Detective: Students photograph leaves/find images of leaves from different species of trees. Compare and contrast them. Challenge the students to explain why they are different. What is the science behind it? What purpose, if any, do these differences serve?
Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention: Meg came up with the idea of the canopy walk to make it easier to study the canopy. Find out if there are other examples of scientists inventing equipment, tools, etc. to help them tackle a problem. This can be extended to encompass any area of study, not just science.
Women in Science
by Rachel Ignotofsky
Review: What a gorgeous book! Rachel Ignotofsky’s “Women In Science”, introduces readers to 50 notable women scientists throughout history. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, this book is a feast for the eyes as well as the brain. The introduction highlights some of the challenges women faced as they strove to be heard and taken seriously in the scientific field. Beginning with Hypatia and ending with Maryam Mirzakhani, who received numerous awards for her mathematical research, each scientist’s achievements are presented in an interesting, easy to understand manner. The illustrated glossary at the end is a real treat, making it a pleasure to read. A source list of films, websites and books is perfect for those wanting to delve further. This would make a wonderful addition to any home or school library.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 11. This would appeal to older students and adults, too!
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips: Dive Deeper: Students carry out further research into one of the female scientists introduced in the book.
DIY: Students find out about a female scientist in a field they are interested in. Inspired by the book, they then represent their learning through text and images.
Glitzy Glossary: Students apply the concept of using images to support written descriptions when making their own glossary of terms in science or other subject areas.
The Radium Girls
by Kate Moore
Review: Simultaneously gripping, horrendous and inspiring, this book tells the true story of the young women who worked daily with radium paint preparing glow-in-the-dark watch faces. Events soon took a turn for the worst as the women began to suffer from mystery illnesses. This young reader’s edition of Kate Moore’s bestselling book makes for a compelling read. Detailing how their employers sought to cover up this development and the young women’s fight back and enduring legacy, this story will stay with readers long after they have finished the book. The inclusion of photos, a timeline and a glossary help to make these events more accessible for young readers. Click here for the adult readers’ version of the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 12 years. In my opinion, older readers would also enjoy this book.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: One Part of the Picture: Read “The Radium Girls” when studying Marie Curie and radium to further explore the impacts of her discovery.
Workers’ Rights: Social Studies link – look at employment conditions and issues of health and safety through history.
Happy Reading!
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tips
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