Recently, we celebrated Black History Month. In much the same way that history was often not recorded, and certainly not published, women’s history in the United States was often overlooked and omitted from our collective history. Although women’s contributions were as important and influential, the history of these were often left on the cutting room floor.
Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.
Myra Pollack Sadker
History helps up learn who we are. When we don’t see ourselves in history, it’s difficult to see the path forward. Fortunately, it is 2020 and the important contributions by women are getting their due. The recognition of these accomplishments remind us, not just girls and women, but all of us, that a society is the sum of all of its parts. Together, we are writing history that brings equality and recognition for the accomplishments of all.
With the recent death of Katherine Johnson, a brilliant NASA mathematician, and a native of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, it’s important to continue to inspire new generations of girls. One way to do that is through STEM/STEAM education. Wood County Schools offers many STEAM opportunities for students to learn and explore.
Find ideas for apps, podcasts, and more below for celebrating Women’s History Month throughout March.
Lessons in Herstory
Lessons in Herstory App uses AR to bring to life forgotten stories of women, right on the pages of your history textbook. Scan any portrait of a man in your textbook and unlock a related story about an important woman. Currently, Lessons In Herstory works with “A History of US: Liberty for All? 1820-1860, Book Five, 2005”. The app will soon expand to work with more textbooks. But don’t worry if you don’t have a textbook, you can still use the app with the photos available on http://www.lessonsinherstory.com. By putting a new lens on history, this app has the power to inspire the next generation through stories of powerful women.
EngineerGirl
The EngineerGirl website is designed to bring national attention to the exciting opportunities that engineering represents for girls and women. Why girls and women? Because despite an increase in female participation in many traditionally male-dominated professions such as medicine and law, women remain grossly under-represented in engineering. Engineering and engineers are central to the process of innovation, and innovation drives economic growth. Diversity of thought is crucial to creativity, and by leaving women out of the process of innovation we lose a key component of diversity and stifle innovation. We want the creative problem-solvers of tomorrow to fully represent the world’s population, because they will be the ones to ensure our health, happiness, and safety in years to come.
Shirley Chisholm: Portrait of a Pioneer
Shirley Chisholm, an American educator, author, and politician, became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. She was also the first African American and woman to run for the Democratic Party’s nomination in 1972. She was a trailblazer.
Listen to Ms. Chisholm in her own words.
Women’s History Shared In Podcasts
Find inspiring stories and lessons from our past with Women’s History themed podcasts from every angle. Please note that each podcast has not been vetted. Review before including in a lesson plan.
Notable Women AR
Notable Women is an augmented reality app that lets anyone see 100 historic American women where they’ve historically been left out: U.S. currency. Discover the accomplishments of activists, artists, scientists, business leaders, writers, civic leaders and more—right on the money in your wallet. Share a woman who inspires you with #NotableWomen and learn more at NotableWomen.com. Notable Women is a project by former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, made with some friends from Google.