Activity 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
- St. Elmo Brady
- Shirley Ann Jackson
- Mario Molina
- Mae Jemison
- Percy Julian
- Ellen Ochoa
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?
Learning More
Black Pioneers of Science and Invention
by Louis Haber. Harcourt, Odyssey Classics, 1992.
Chronicles the lives of 14 African Americans, including Percy Julian, Benjamin
Banneker, and George Washington Carver, who made significant contributions to
science and industry.
Celebrating Black History and the Accomplishments
of African-American Women
Scientists
www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/feature_acs.html?
id=c373e901dc6f113b8f6a17245d830100
Profiles an African American astronaut, a meteorologist, and an inventor.
