Contemporary

Students will investigate four historical case studies of physicists who some historians and physicists have argued should have won a Nobel Prize: Arnold Sommerfeld, Lise Meitner, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Satyendra Nath Bose. With each Case Study, students examine the historical context surrounding the prize that year (if applicable) as well as potential biases inherent in the structure of the Nobel Prize committee and its selection process. Students will summarize arguments for why these four physicists should have been awarded a Nobel Prize in physics, as well as potential explanations for why they were not awarded the honor.

Students are introduced to Ben Barres: an accomplished neurobiologist, openly transgender scientist, and activist for gender equity in STEM. This lesson also allows students to explore projects investigating LGBTQ+ experiences in science, technology, and medicine careers.

Students will learn about African Americans involved in astronomy and astrophysics, from the 1700s when astronomy was used as a practical tool to the twentieth century space race, using primary and secondary documents.

Students will learn about subtle discrimination, its negative effects on the careers of women in physics and astronomy, and strategies to eliminate it from the workplace and classroom.

Students will learn about the contributions of contemporary women to physics, astronomy, and related disciplines. They will also explore careers and the significance of professional societies in physics.

Students will learn about the history of women's colleges and their role in physical science education by exploring several key institutions that offer physical science degrees.

Students will research the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and examine several institutions that offer degrees in the physical sciences.

Students will learn about the life and career of female astronomers through their own words.

Students will learn, through research and debate, about the conflicts that can arise between astronomical and local communities over the construction of observatories.