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Lesson:

Generations of STEM Inventors

Coding,

Inspiration,

Math,

Science,

Social Emotional Learning

Experience Level

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-9

Duration

1-5 minutes

Group Size

Individual

Small Groups (2-4)

Large Groups (5-10)

Full Classroom (20+)

Compatible Robots

No Robot

Details

Diversity matters, and this series of individual bios highlights the inventors and STEM superstars who have come from all backgrounds throughout the generations.

Downloads & Resources

Dr. Patricia Bath - Cataract Treatment Dr. Marie Maynard Daly - Biochemist Dr. Shirley Jackson - Caller ID and Call Waiting Dr. Valerie Thomas - The Illusion Transmitter Elijah McCoy - The Real McCoy Bessie Coleman - Stunt Pilot Garrett Morgan - The Traffic Signal Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte - Physician Mary Golda Ross - Aerospace Engineer Ellen Ochoa - Astronaut Farida Bedwei - Financial Tech Software Developer Dr. Joy Buolamwini - Algorithmic Justice League Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler - Physician & Author Ada Lovelace- The First Computer Programmer Sameera Moussa- Nuclear Scientist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett - Viral Immunologist Sophie Wilson - Computer Scientist Dr. Jeanette Epps- NASA Astronaut Grace Hopper- Computer Scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral Lynn Conway- Computer Scientist and Transgender Activist John Herrington- Chickasaw Astronaut Jerry Lawson - Video Game Engineer James E. West - Foil Electret Microphone Maritza Soto- Chilean Astronomer Wangari Maathai- Nobel Peace Prize Winner Josephine Cochrane- Dishwasher Inventor Elizabeth Anionwu- Nurse & Professor Alexa Canady- Neurosurgeon Frederick McKinley Jones- "Cool" Inventor Mae Carol Jemison- Astronaut Francisca Okeke - Physicist Stephanie Kwolek - Kevlar Chemist James McLurkin- Robotics Engineer Simone Giertz- Inventor Emily Roebling- Bridge Engineer Bobak Ferdowsi - Systems Engineer Ayanna Howard - Roboticist Lyda Newman- Inventor and Suffragist Margaret Hamilton - Software Engineer Valentina Tereshkova- Cosmonaut Bertha Parker Pallan Cody- Archaeologist Aaron Yazzzie - Mechanical Engineer Seymour Papert- Educational Robotics PIoneer Earle Haas- Physician Inventor Katharine Blodgett-Inventor Nancy Johnson- Inventor Percy LeBaron Spencer- Inventor PIlar Caraega- Train Engineer Sylvia Acevedo- Girl Scout CEO Patsy O'Connell Sherman-Chemist Maynard Holliday- Defense Director Jennifer Harris Trosper- Mars 2020 Project Manager Cynthia Breazeal- Pioneer of Social Robotics Christa McAuliffe- Teacher Astronaut Alexander Miles- Automated Elevator Doors Irene Bernasconi- Marine Biologist Marian Croak- Inventor Voice over Internet Protocol Franklin Change-Diaz- Hispanic Astronaut Raye Montague- Naval Engineer Antonia Novella- U.S. Surgeon General

Innovations resulting from science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields have positively influenced many aspects of human life. However, it is important to keep in mind that innovations do not arise on their own; they are brought forth through one's hard work, passions and life experience. By cultivating talent and promoting the full inclusion of excellence across the social spectrum, we open the door to new innovation. Diversity matters, and this series of individual bios highlights the inventors and STEM superstars who have come from all backgrounds throughout the generations.