A Celebration of Women's History Month
March is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of women throughout history. Women’s History Month, observed from March 1 to 31, is an excellent opportunity for educators to highlight the achievements of women in various fields, from science and politics to the arts.
Resources & Book Recommendations
To bring the stories of remarkable women to your classroom, here are some resources and books that can help:
Books
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly: This inspiring true story of African-American women mathematicians who played key roles in NASA’s space missions can encourage discussions about race, gender, and science.
The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone: A captivating biography of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, a cryptanalyst who helped crack codes during World War II.
Frida: Viva la Vida by Isabel Sánchez Vegara: A beautifully illustrated book about Frida Kahlo, perfect for younger readers.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo: A series of stories about real women who’ve made history.
Websites & Online Resources
National Women’s History Museum: A treasure trove of articles, resources, and virtual exhibits to bring historical women’s stories to life.
Biography.com Women’s History Section: A go-to spot for exploring biographies of influential women across many disciplines.
PBS LearningMedia: Find lesson plans, video clips, and activities on women’s history, perfect for students of all ages.
Lesson Ideas for Celebrating Women’s History
Here are a few lesson ideas to engage students in learning about women who have shaped history:
Women in Science Introduce students to pioneering women scientists like Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, or Ada Lovelace. Create hands-on experiments that mirror their work, such as a simple chemistry experiment inspired by Curie or a coding activity for Lovelace. This can also lead to a discussion on the gender gap in science and how we can work to close it.
Trailblazing Women in Politics Use video clips and articles to explore the lives of women like Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, or Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late U.S. Supreme Court justice. Consider reading one of Ginsburg's famous quotes to your class and discussing how her legacy influences modern-day equality efforts. Encourage students to research the work of other women in politics and present their findings to the class.
The Arts: Expression & Empowerment Celebrate female artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, Maya Angelou, and Billie Holiday. Have students create their artwork or poetry inspired by these icons, reflecting themes of personal expression, empowerment, and resilience. This lesson can be paired with discussions about the barriers female artists have faced throughout history and how they overcame them.
Celebrating Women’s History Month is not just about looking back at the contributions of women in history, but also about inspiring the next generation to continue breaking barriers and challenging norms. Let’s use this month to honor those who came before us and inspire those who will shape the world ahead.
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