As we celebrate Black History Month, we are bringing STEM in the classroom to life by exploring the incredible contributions of Black inventors, inspired by the book "Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?" This book highlights the remarkable inventions that shape our daily lives, especially those created by Black innovators. Students will engage in hands-on activities and lessons, from creative problem-solving to real-world applications, discovering how STEM is used to inspire innovation and critical thinking.
We’ll dive into STEM activities that honor both historical and modern Black scientists, engineers, and inventors. We’ll also provide links to online book read-alongs, including "Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?" and others that celebrate the achievements of Black pioneers in science and technology. Join us as we celebrate innovation, creativity, and the power of learning through the lens of Black history and STEM!
STEM Activities in the Classroom:
Plant Science with George Washington Carver
Background: George Washington Carver was a scientist and inventor, best known for promoting crop rotation in order to help farmers promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Objective: Grow a bean sprout in a cup and observe its growth over time.
Materials: Beans, plastic cup, paper towel.
STEM Connection: Increases understanding in germination, photosynthesis and plant life cycles.
Calculating Math in Space with Katherine Johnson
Background: Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of NASA’s early space missions. She calculated many complex operations by hand that helped put astronauts into orbit and ensure their safe return.
Objective: Utilize mathematical concepts to solve a range of space-themed word problems.
Calculate the time it takes for a rocket to travel 300 miles at a speed of 60 miles per hour.
Determine how far a spacecraft would travel in 15 minutes if it moves at a speed of 400 miles per minute.
A spacecraft travels 1,200 miles in 4 hours. What is its speed?
Use the equation: Speed (v) = Distance (d) / Time (t)
A rocket with a mass of 5,000 kg accelerates at 10 m/s². What is the force exerted by the rocket?
Use the equation: Force (F) = Mass (m) × Acceleration (a)
A space shuttle with a mass of 2,000 kg travels at a speed of 25 m/s. What is its kinetic energy?
Use the equation: Kinetic Energy (KE) = 1/2 × m × v²
Materials: Paper and writing utensils.
STEM Connection: Teaches various math equations that involve motion and force and math skills such as division and multiplication.
Light Bulb Science with Lewis Latimer
Background: Lewis Latimer was an inventor and engineer known for his work with electricity and his contributions to the development of the electric light bulb.
Objective: Using kits such as the Snap Circuits kit, build a basic circuit that powers a light bulb.
Start by connecting the battery pack, light bulb, and switches.
Discuss with the students how a complete circuit allows electricity to flow and light the bulb.
Materials: Snap Circuits kit (or similar).
STEM Connection: Encourages learning physics (electricity, circuits), engineering (designing a working circuit).
Rocket Experiment with Mae Jemison
Background: Mae Jemison is an American physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut. She made history in 1992 as the first African American woman to travel in space.
Objective: Use a balloon, string, and tape to create a simple rocket that is powered by the air released from the balloon.
Materials: Balloon, string, and tape.
STEM Connection: Demonstrates basic principles of propulsion and Newton's Third Law.
Probability with Shirley Ann Jackson
Background: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from MIT. Her work in physics and telecommunications connects to probability because she studied how signals travel and how likely certain events are to happen, like detecting a phone call or managing network traffic.
Objective: Each student flips a coin 20 times and records how many times it lands on heads vs. tails.
Compare results to the expected probability (50% heads, 50% tails).
Discuss real-world applications of probability, such as telecommunications (Shirley Ann Jackson’s field).
Materials: Coins and paper.
STEM Connection: Teaches how probability is used to predict outcomes and model uncertainty.
Ice Cream Science with Frederick McKinley Jones
Background: Frederick McKinley Jones was an inventor and engineer who developed a refrigeration system that revolutionized the transportation of perishable goods, such as ice cream, making it possible to transport it across the country without them spoiling.
Objective: Make homemade ice cream and observe how temperature affects the freezing process.
Mix milk, sugar, and vanilla in a small bag, then put it in a larger bag filled with ice and salt.
Shake it for 5-10 minutes.
Enjoy!
Materials: Milk, sugar, ice, salt, small plastic bags, and a larger plastic bag.
STEM Connection: Increases understanding for the science of temperature, states of matter, and phase changes (solid to liquid to solid).
Healthy Heart Experiment with Marie Maynard Daly
Background: Marie Maynard Daly was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Her research contributed to the understanding of how diet and cholesterol affect heart health. Her work helped establish the link between high blood pressure and clogged arteries, as well as the effects of fatty acids on cardiovascular health.
Objective: Use a simple experiment to observe how different activities (like exercise or resting) affect heart rate and learn how lifestyle choices impact heart health.
Materials: Stopwatch, paper, pencil, and a method to measure heart rate (like a wrist pulse or a heart rate monitor).
STEM Connection: Demonstrates the connection between biology (heart function) and chemistry (how the body processes nutrients) in maintaining a healthy heart.
Online Read-Alongs:
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?
Description: Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? is a children's book that includes a focus on Black inventors, showcasing their contributions and highlighting the important roles they played in shaping the world we live in.
Duration: 6:08 minutes.
Read-along read by "Cookies Cozy Corner".
Mae Among Stars
Description: Mae Among the Stars is a children's book inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. The story follows young Mae as she dreams of becoming an astronaut, facing challenges and encouraging readers to believe in themselves and follow their passions, no matter the obstacles.
Duration: 4:28 minutes.
Read-along read by "'CSUF Future Titans Read".
Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner
Description: Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner is a children's book that introduces young readers to Charles Henry Turner, a pioneering African American scientist and entomologist. The book explores his curiosity about the natural world, particularly his groundbreaking research on insects. It celebrates his love for science, persistence, and the importance of asking questions.
Duration: 14:40 minutes
Read-along read by "Dana Reads".
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