Who Am I?Ages 9 and older. Many important scientists are unfamiliar to us, even though their achievements are amazing. In this activity, you will learn about several lesser-known scientists of color who have made major contributions to their fields. Working on your own or with a partner, use resources at your library—books, encyclopedias, or the Internet—to match three of the names on the list below to their descriptions. Then see if you can answer the question about each scientist. (Your librarian has the answer sheet.) Scientists
Learning More
Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
Celebrating Black History and the Accomplishments |
|
||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
Forgotten Genius Home | Send Feedback | Image Credits | Support NOVA |
© | Created January 2007 |
I was the first woman of color sent into space. After studying
chemical engineering in college, I became a doctor. On the
space shuttle, I conducted many experiments in space. In 1994,
I started a science camp called The Earth We Share, for kids
ages 12 to 16. It brings young people together "to come up
with solutions to real-world global dilemmas." What was the
name the space shuttle I traveled in and what year was it?
I was born in Mexico City, which is one of the most polluted
cities in the world. I became a chemist and have spent a lot
of time studying the ways that chemicals affect the
environment. My work focuses on the impact that chemicals have
on the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful
radiation. In 1995, I won a major international prize for my
research. What was this prize?
I was born in Alabama, and I went to a segregated elementary
school. Though some people tried to prevent me from becoming a
scientist, I followed my dream and eventually earned an
advanced degree in chemistry. My research led to a drug that
helped millions of people suffering from arthritis. For many
years, I did research on one particular plant and discovered
ways to use parts of this plant to help make paint, a
soy-based coating for paper, and foam for fire extinguishers.
What was the plant that I focused on in my research?
