Education Standards
Women in Science and Technology | Library of Congress
Women Nobel Laureates (docx)
Women Nobel Laureates (pdf)
Women Nobel Prize Laureates
Women who changed science (interactive)
Women Nobel Laureates: Pioneers in Science, Literature, and Peace
Overview
This lesson supplements the Women Who Changed the World website from the Nobel Prize Organization. A video and link to an interactive activity is accompanied by project ideas, topcis for extension, and additional resources.
Introduction
The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious international awards recognizing outstanding contributions in various fields of human endeavor. It was established in 1895 by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor, and is widely regarded as a symbol of intellectual excellence and humanitarian values. Over the years, the Nobel Prize has recognized some of the most important discoveries, inventions, and works of literature that have shaped our understanding of the world and improved the human condition. Between 1901 and 2022, Nobel Prizes were awarded 615 times to 989 people and organizations.
A total of sixty women have been awarded the prestigious honor across all categories. Women have made groundbreaking contributions in fields such as literature, physics, chemistry, medicine, economics, and peace. Some notable female laureates include Marie Curie, who was awarded the prize twice for her pioneering work in radioactivity, and Malala Yousafzai, who became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 2014 for her activism promoting education for girls. Other accomplished female Nobel laureates include Toni Morrison, Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, and Ada Yonath, whose contributions have helped shape the course of history and inspire generations of women.
Below is a video of the amazing women who have received the Nobel Prize and their remarkable achievements at the time of the award.
Students can play this online activity from Nobel Media to try and match the portrait of the Nobel Prize laureate with their Nobel Prize awarded discovery.
Game: How many Nobel Prize awarded women can you match | Nobel Outreach
Project Ideas and Resources
Potential Projects
choose as appropriate for grade level
- Poster project: Students can choose a woman Nobel laureate to research and create a poster that includes her picture, name, field of work, and a brief summary of her contributions to society.
- Scavenger hunt: Students can find and read about women Nobel laureates in different fields, such as science, literature, and peace, and write what they learned about each laureate.
- Women Nobel Laureate read-aloud: Teachers can read biographical or autobiographical books about women Nobel laureates.
- Communications project: Students can create a podcast, documentary style video, or museum exhibit that highlights a woman Nobel laureate and her contributions to society, and share their work with the class.
- Nobel Prize Simulation: Students can participate in a Nobel Prize simulation where they research, nominate, and vote on potential Nobel laureates in different fields. They can work in groups or individually and present their nominations to the class. This activity can help students develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
- Women Nobel Laureates Book Club: Students can form a book club to read and discuss biographies or autobiographies of women Nobel laureates in different fields. They can share their insights, questions, and reflections on the books and how they relate to the laureates' work and contributions to society.
- Women Nobel Laureates Mentorship Program: Students can connect with women scientists in their community or online and learn from their experiences and insights. They can ask questions, seek advice, and explore opportunities to collaborate on research projects or community service initiatives.
- Women Nobel Laureates Creative Writing Contest: Students can participate in a creative writing contest where they write a poem, story, or essay inspired by a woman Nobel laureate in literature or peace. They can explore themes such as courage, justice, peace, and resilience and express their ideas and emotions through creative writing.
Resources
Women in Science and Technology | Library of Congress
A selection of Library of Congress primary sources exploring women's contributions to science and technology. This set also includes a Teachers Guide with historical context and teaching suggestions. Photos, film footage, newspaper articles, interviews, and manuscripts explore women's contributions to science and technology.
Women Nobel Prize Laureates | Nobel Prize Outreach
This website provides a comprehensive list of women Nobel laureates, including their names, fields of work, and the years in which they were awarded the prize.
Women who changed science | Nobel Media
Celebrates and explores the contributions, careers, and lives of the nineteen women who have been awarded Nobel Prizes for their scientific achievements. On this interactive site, students can answer questions to "match with a laureate", browse their stories, and explore their connections.
Biographies | National Women's History Museum
The National Women's History Museum provides a database of women who have made significant contributions to society, including several Nobel laureates. The website provides biographical information, photos, and links to related resources.
Extension
- Explore the impact of women Nobel laureates on their respective fields and on society. How have their contributions advanced knowledge and improved people's lives?
- Discuss both the benefits and challenges surrounding the Nobel Prize?
- Research some of the controversies surrounding the selection of women Nobel laureates in different fields?
- Compare and contrast the experiences of women Nobel laureates from different time periods and fields. What similarities and differences exist in terms of the challenges they faced, the recognition they received, and their impact on their respective fields?
- Research the Nobel Prize committees and their selection processes. What criteria are used to select laureates? How diverse are the committees and what efforts have been made to promote diversity and inclusion?
- Explore the role of mentorship and support networks in the success of women Nobel laureates. What support systems exist for women in different fields and how can they be improved to promote greater diversity and inclusion?
- Analyze media coverage of women Nobel laureates and consider how their work is framed and portrayed in the media. Are there patterns of bias or stereotyping that emerge?
- Research the contributions of women scientists and writers who were overlooked for the Nobel Prize during their lifetimes. What barriers did they face and how have their contributions been recognized since?
- Consider the broader implications of recognizing women Nobel laureates. How does this recognition promote greater diversity and inclusion in the fields of science, literature, and peace? What impact might this have on future generations of women and girls who aspire to make important contributions to society?
Attribution and License
Attribution
Women who changed the world cover image and screenshot © Nobel Media. Ill. Niklas Elmehed. Used pursuant to fair use.
License
Except where otherwise noted, this work by Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, is available under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All logos and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Sections used under fair use doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107) are marked.
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