Women's History Month: What's Happening In Science Class?

This week we’d like to highlight a small portion of the work that our science department at Birmingham does not only to bring women’s contributions to science to the fore but also to model and mentor girls who are keen to imagine themselves in science pursuits and careers.  

 

According to the National Science Foundation, the number of women in all science and engineering occupations has risen from 23% in 1993 to 28% in 2010, and while there are likely even further increases over the last decade, women continue to be underrepresented in many science and engineering fields.  Bringing greater parity to science and engineering among men and women is a complex issue to be sure, but whatever paths exist to remedy the imbalance, one critical route is having young girls nurtured and shepherded by teachers who help students actively see themselves in these fields.

 

During the course of this month, 8^th grade science teacher Wendy Mayer is discussing women’s contributions to the periodic table with students while they view a documentary on the topic.  Wendy shared the learning resource she is using to highlight women’s insight and research on various elements from the periodic table.

 

Additionally, Upper School science teacher Barb Lasecki-Webb is also bringing women in science to the foreground in the construction of her biochemistry class this semester through a Women in Science guest speaker series, who all happen to be former students of Barb’s.  Speakers include medical school students and professionals in pharmacology and psychology, all of whom will be addressing various issues including:

 

These are just two brief glimpses into the classroom work that our Birmingham teachers are doing to bring a greater and more diverse understanding of the history and future of science—thank you, Wendy and Barb, for your intentional efforts!