Trailblazing Women: Shaping the STEAM Future

High School Grade

Project
2 weeks

Trailblazing Women: Shaping the STEAM Future

Mayra Saenz

Purpose

This project aims to celebrate and illuminate the contributions of women in Science and Technology through an interdisciplinary approach that combines computer science, history, and the arts. Students will explore algorithms and cryptography while learning about the pivotal roles women played during World War II and beyond. By creating Pop Art portraits and participating in an exhibition, students will not only gain technical skills but also appreciate the historical and cultural impact of these trailblazing women.

Learning goals

Students will explore the contributions of women in Science and Technology during World War II and beyond, focusing on algorithms and cryptography. They will analyze and interpret historical and contemporary data to understand women's impact in STEAM fields. Students will apply their learning by creating Pop Art portraits and participating in an exhibition, integrating art and technology. They will develop communication skills by engaging with a female presenter from a STEAM field, gaining insights into her professional journey and achievements.

Standards

CSTA - 3A-AP-16: Design and implement complex programs that include a variety of data structures and algorithms.
CSTA - 3A-IC-27: Evaluate the impact of equity, access, and influence on the distribution of computing resources in a global society.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Products

Students will create a series of Pop Art portraits celebrating influential women in Science and Technology, integrating artistic techniques and historical research. They will develop interactive digital presentations that incorporate algorithms and cryptography concepts to narrate the stories of these women, highlighting their contributions during World War II and beyond. The project will culminate in a public exhibition, where students will showcase their artwork and digital presentations, accompanied by a guest speaker sharing her personal journey in a STEAM field.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive gallery walk featuring images and brief biographies of influential women in science and technology, including their contributions during World War II. Students will rotate through stations where they can engage with multimedia content, such as video clips or podcasts, highlighting these women's achievements. Conclude with a group discussion where students share their initial impressions and questions, setting the stage for their upcoming creative exploration and research.

Exhibition

Students will curate an interactive exhibition showcasing their Pop Art portraits of women in Science and Technology, accompanied by digital presentations highlighting their contributions to algorithms, cryptography, and wartime efforts. The exhibition will feature a guest speaker, a woman in a STEAM field, who will share her personal journey and insights. Attendees will engage with multimedia displays and music that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the project, fostering a deeper appreciation for the historical and contemporary impact of women in these fields.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Launch the project with an interactive gallery walk. Students rotate through stations with multimedia content (videos, podcasts) about influential women in science and technology, focusing on their contributions during World War II.	Facilitate a group discussion to share initial impressions and questions about the women featured in the gallery walk, setting the stage for deeper exploration.	Guide students in selecting a woman from the gallery walk to research in depth. They will gather historical data, focusing on her contributions to algorithms, cryptography, or wartime efforts.	Introduce students to Pop Art techniques. Conduct a hands-on workshop where they experiment with creating art, inspired by the research subjects.	Students begin drafting their Pop Art portraits, integrating elements that symbolize the achievements and impact of their chosen woman in STEAM fields.	Introduce basic concepts of algorithms and cryptography. Students explore coding platforms to experiment with creating simple algorithms related to their research subject.
Deliverables	1. A research outline summarizing key contributions of the selected woman in science and technology, including a focus on her role during World War II. 2. A draft sketch of a Pop Art portrait inspired by the research subject, incorporating symbolic elements that represent her contributions.
Preparation	1. Prepare multimedia content (videos, podcasts) for the gallery walk featuring influential women in science and technology. 2. Gather art supplies and materials needed for the Pop Art workshop, ensuring accessibility for all students. 3. Create a list of women in science and technology for students to choose from, including brief biographies and suggested research directions. 4. Prepare introductory materials and resources for teaching basic concepts of algorithms and cryptography. 5. Set up coding platforms and software needed for students to experiment with algorithms.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Students finalize their Pop Art portraits, ensuring they accurately reflect the achievements and legacy of their chosen woman in STEAM fields.	Conduct a digital storytelling workshop where students learn to create interactive presentations using algorithms and cryptography concepts related to their research subjects.	Facilitate peer review sessions where students present their draft digital presentations, receive feedback, and refine their work.	Organize a rehearsal for the exhibition where students practice presenting their Pop Art portraits and digital stories, incorporating peer feedback.	Host a guest speaker session with a woman in a STEAM field, where students engage in a Q&A to gain insights into her professional journey and contributions.	Prepare the exhibition space, allowing students to set up their Pop Art portraits and digital presentations, ensuring all technical elements are functioning properly.
Deliverables	1. Completed Pop Art portrait, incorporating feedback and final touches. 2. Interactive digital presentation that narrates the story of the chosen woman in Science and Technology, integrating algorithms and cryptography elements. 3. Participation in the public exhibition, showcasing both the Pop Art portrait and digital presentation.
Preparation	1. Arrange for the guest speaker session, ensuring logistical details such as technology setup and student preparation are addressed. 2. Provide resources and support for the digital storytelling workshop, including software access and instructional materials. 3. Coordinate with students to organize the exhibition space, ensuring access to necessary equipment and materials. 4. Prepare guidelines and rubrics for peer review sessions to facilitate constructive feedback. 5. Ensure all multimedia and digital tools required for the exhibition are available and operational.