Women’s History Month: Women In Science

Trailblazers : 33 women in science who changed the world / Rachel Swaby

Virginia Apgar. Sally Ride. Rachel Carson. These names are etched in history and included here as part of this awe-inspiring collection of profiles of some of the world’s most influential women in science. Author Rachel Swaby delves into the minds of thirty-three such women, whose vision, creativity, passion and dedication have helped make important strides in the world of science—who have in fact changed the world.

Middle grade kids will be fascinated by these snapshot profiles of some of history’s most important female scientists. These women have made strides in fields including biology, medicine, astronomy, and technology. In addition, Swaby emphasizes the fact that people aren’t born brilliant scientists. They observe and experiment as kids and as adults, testing ideas again and again, each time learning something new. Kids are sure to come away with a renewed curiosity of the world and the realization that the road to discovery can be positively thrilling.

Changing the equation : 50+ US Black women in STEM / Tonya Bolden

Award-winning author Tonya Bolden explores the black women who have changed the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in America. Including groundbreaking computer scientists, doctors, inventors, physicists, pharmacists, mathematicians, aviators, and many more, this book celebrates more than 50 women who have shattered the glass ceiling, defied racial discrimination, and pioneered in their fields. In these profiles, young readers will find role models, inspirations, and maybe even reasons to be the STEM leaders of tomorrow. These stories help young readers to dream big and stay curious

Remarkable minds : seventeen more pioneering women in science and medicine / Pendred Noyce

Full of the inspirational stories girls need for exploring a future in science  

For centuries, women have risen above their traditional roles to pursue a new understanding of the natural world. This book, which grows out of an exhibit at the Grolier Club in New York, introduces the lives, sayings, and dreams of 16 women over four centuries and chronicles their contributions to mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, and medicine. Some of the notable women portrayed in the book include French mathematician Marie-Sophie Germain, known for her work in Elasticity theory, differential geometry, and number theory; Scottish chemist Elizabeth Fulhame, best known for her 1794 work An Essay on Combustion; and Rita Levi-Montalcini, who, with colleague Stanley Cohen, received the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of nerve growth factor. A companion volume to Magnificent Minds by the same author, this book offers inspiration to all girls and young women considering a life in the sciences.

The most influential female inventors / Xina M. Uhl

Silk, the windshield wiper, and the paper grocery bag all have something in common: each had a female inventor. This informative resource discusses innovations that women from all cultures, ethnicities, and time periods have made, and are continuing to make. Their invaluable contributions span all industries, including medicine, science, technology, the home, the food industry, fashion, safety, business, and commerce. With high-interest photographs, a timeline, and engaging sidebars, this timely guide reveals the spirit of female ingenuity in times past and into the 21st century.

Galaxy girls : 50 amazing stories of women in space / Libby Jackson

Filled with beautiful full-color illustrations, a groundbreaking compendium honoring the amazing true stories of fifty inspirational women who helped fuel some of the greatest achievements in space exploration from the nineteenth century to today—including Hidden Figure’s Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson as well as former NASA Chief Astronaut Peggy Whitson, the record-holding American biochemistry researcher who has spent the most cumulative time in space.

When Neil Armstrong stepped off the ladder of the lunar module, Eagle, he famously spoke of “one small step for man.” But Armstrong would not have reached the moon without the help of women. Today, females across the earth and above it—astronauts and mathematicians, engineers and physicists, test pilots and aerospace psychophysiologists—are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge, helping us to understand the universe and our place in it. Galaxy Girls celebrates more than four dozen extraordinary women from around the globe whose contributions have been fundamental to the story of humankind’s quest to reach the stars.

From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century to the “colored computers” behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to the scientific pioneers blazing the way to Mars, Galaxy Girls goes boldly where few books have gone before, celebrating this band of heroic sisters and their remarkable and often little known scientific achievements. Written by Libby Jackson, a leading British expert in human space flight, and illustrated with striking artwork from the students of London College of Communication, Galaxy Girls will fire the imaginations of trailblazers of all ages. 

Careers for tech girls in computer science / Heather Moore Niver

This straightforward guide empowers those young women who are interested in working as computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, information security analysts, software developers, web developers, and video game developers and designers by offering a trove of industry insiders’ career tips. The responsibilities of each job area are described along with the specific skills and training that are required. Steps for looking for jobs, compiling a resume and writing a cover letter, interviewing, and staying at the top of the game after getting the job are all thoroughly examined.

Careers for tech girls in science / Rebecca T. Klein

A shortage of women in various fields of the sciences persists, due in large part to social conditioning, lack of support, and outright prejudice. Increasing the visibility and success of female scientists is key to breaking down these outdated stereotypes. Young women with an interest in science will find vital information about internships, careers, resources, and support networks to help them achieve their goals. Female role models in medicine, zoology, ecology, astronomy, and more are profiled. Readers who have a natural curiosity about the world around them will be inspired to make a difference by pursuing a career in the sciences

Radioactive! : how Irene Curie and Lise Meitner revolutionized science and changed the world / by Winifred Conkling

The fascinating, little-known story of how two brilliant female physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries led to the creation of the atomic bomb.

In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague.