SUMMARY
Kevlar is a fiber that’s stronger than steel, and it’s revolutionized everything from military and police body armor to sports equipment. For our “Hidden Histories” series this Women’s History Month, we learn about Stephanie Kwolek, the pioneering researcher who invented Kevlar in 1965.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who employed Stephanie Kwolek?
- When did Kwolek make the discovery of the fiber that became Kevlar?
- What path did Kwolek take to becoming a chemist?
- How did Stephanie Kwolek become part of a race to create new synthetic fibers?
- Why did Kwolek succeed in discovering Kevlar?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What challenges did Stephanie Kwolek face during her research? Do you think women in scientific fields face similar challenges today?
Media literacy: How can news outlets better highlight key figures like Stephanie Kwolek?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Watch the Student Reporting Labs video and answer the following question: Why is it good to be innovative?
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