Women Who Shaped Science: Inspirational Leaders in Stem - Hardcover

by Frances Durkin (Author), Nur Ventura (Author)

A fascinating journey through history chronicling 20 remarkable women who were pioneers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This beautifully illustrated non-fiction children's book for ages 8 and older opens with the first perfume maker, Tapputi Belatekallim in Mesopotamia, 1200 BCE, through the present, where Nzambi Matee from Kenya, who while studying physics, invented eco-friendly paving blocks made from recycled plastics, their inspirational stories will inspire the next generation of female STEM innovators. Further engagement is encouraged with 12 at-home activities and experiments including Make Your Own Fossil, Build a Recycled Toy House, and Measure Something You Can't See. References include a glossary and list of periodic elements.

Featuring the Achievements and Scientific Breakthroughs of 20 Amazing Women Throughout History

• Tapputi-Belatekallim, First Perfume Maker (Mesopotamia, c. 1200 BCE)
• Mary Hebraea, Alchemist & Chemist (Alexandria, c. 1st Century)
• Maria Sibylla Merian, Entomologist (Germany, 1647-1717)
• Sarah Guppy, Engineers & Inventor (English, 1770-1852)
• Jeanne Villepreux-Power, Scientist (France, 1794-1871)
• Mary Anning, Paleontologist (England, 1799-1847)
• Margaret Knight, Inventor (USA, 1838-1914)
• Margarete Steiff, Inventor (Germany, 1847-1909)
• Madam C. J. Walker, Inventor (USA, 1867-1919)
• Lise Meitner, Physicist (Austria, 1878-1968)
• Inge Lehmann, Seismologist (Denmark, 1888-1993)
• Marguerite Perey, Scientist (France, 1909-1975)
• Bibha Chowdhuri, Astrophysicist (India, 1913-1991)
• Rosalind Franklin, Chemist & Scientist (England, 1920-1958)
• Stephanie Kwolek, Chemist & Inventor (USA, 1923-2014)
• Vera Rubin, Astrophysicist (USA, 1928-2016)
• Tu Youyou, Scientist (China, Born 1930)
• Roseli Ocampo-Friedmann, Microbiologist (Philippines, 1937-2005)
• Omowunmi Sadik, Chemist (Nigeria, Born 1964)
• Nzambi Matee, Engineer & Inventory (Kenya, Born 1992)

Author Biography

Frances Durkin is a historian, writer and mother who grew up in a large, history-loving family. A regular contributor to Aquila, a monthly UK-based educational children's magazine, on a variety of historical and STEM subjects and co-creator of the Histronauts book series, Frances runs workshops at museums and bookshops and has written for the Tate Modern in London. Her book An Egyptian Adventure won the Information category at the North Somerset Teachers' Book Awards in 2019. She has a PhD in Medieval History at the University of Birmingham and is passionate about sharing her love of history with a wide audience. Frances lives in Buckinghamshire, UK, with her young family.