Women in STEM History Engineering Challenges Bundle
Combine social studies and STEM with these challenges inspired by historical women in STEM fields. Students will use the engineering design process to solve challenges related to the work of pioneering female scientists and engineers.
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Teaching Duration: N/A
“This is a great resource and I used it to tie into my science units exploring women in science and had students expand into women in STEM and this was a great way to do that! Thank you ”
lesson overview
Combine social studies and STEM with these challenges inspired by historical women in STEM fields. Students will use the engineering design process to solve challenges related to the work of pioneering female scientists and engineers.
Each challenge includes:
- Detailed teachers guides with links to resources
- Historical profile of a woman in STEM
- Science Handouts
- Student design process handouts
- Grading Rubric
- Math connection problems
Activities included:
(1) Solar Oven Challenge - students learn how to harness the sun's energy by constructing a solar oven to heat s'mores. This challenge also highlights Maria Telkes, the inventor of the first system to heat a home with solar power.
(2) Botany STEM Challenge - students create window greenhouses and observe plant growth. Then they use the engineering design process to build a plant transportation device to safely carry their saplings home. This challenge highlights Katherine Esau, a pioneer in botany.
(3) Bridge STEM Challenge - students use the engineering design process and explore compression and tension forces in bridges while building their own bridge. This challenge highlights Emily Roebling, the first woman field engineer who was instrumental in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
