9th, 10th, 11th Grades
Project
13 weeks
"Stitching Science: Heroines in History"
1-pager
Purpose
This project aims to engage students in exploring the significant contributions of women in science throughout history, using the philosophy of science as a lens. Through hands-on activities, students will craft woven dolls that represent these pioneering scientists, fostering a deeper connection to their stories and achievements. By inviting local women in science to share their experiences, students will see science as relatable and relevant to their own lives, promoting a collaborative learning environment.
Learning goals
Students will explore the contributions of women in science throughout history and understand the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry. They will develop skills in research, critical thinking, and collaboration by engaging in discussions and hands-on activities. By creating woven dolls that represent female scientists, students will connect historical and contemporary scientific achievements to their local context, fostering a deeper appreciation for diversity in scientific fields.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- 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.
- NGSS - HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
Products
Throughout the project, students will engage in collaborative sessions where they will weave dolls that represent influential women scientists, integrating historical and philosophical insights into their designs. These dolls will serve as artistic representations and will be showcased in a culminating exhibition, highlighting the narratives and contributions of each scientist. The exhibition will also feature interactive presentations by local women in science, allowing students to connect their handcrafted dolls to real-world scientific achievements and discussions.
Launch
Begin the project with an interactive seminar featuring local women scientists who share their personal journeys and contributions to their fields. Encourage students to engage in dialogue with the speakers, asking questions and discussing the impact of women in science. Follow the seminar with a hands-on workshop where students start designing their doll concepts, inspired by the stories they've heard, while exploring the historical and philosophical context of each scientist's work.
Exhibition
At the culmination of the project, students will host a community exhibition in Vegachí, where the knitted dolls representing influential women in science will be displayed as a vibrant art installation. The event will include interactive stations where students share the stories and contributions of the scientists they studied, alongside live knitting demonstrations. Invited women scientists from the region will engage in dialogues with students and attendees, fostering connections between historical and contemporary scientific achievements. The exhibition will serve as a platform for students to articulate their learning journey and celebrate the role of women in science through creative expression.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Kickoff Seminar - Host an engaging seminar with local women scientists sharing their journeys and contributions, encouraging student interaction (20 min)
Design Inspiration Workshop - Begin brainstorming and sketching initial doll concepts inspired by the seminar, focusing on historical and philosophical contexts (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students will submit a concept sketch of their doll design, inspired by the stories of the women scientists they learned about during the seminar.
2. Students will write a reflection piece on the seminar, discussing the impact and contributions of the women in science they heard about. |
| Preparation |
1. Arrange for local women scientists to participate in the seminar, including coordinating schedules and logistics for their presentations.
2. Prepare a list of influential women scientists and their contributions to share with students, ensuring it includes diverse backgrounds and fields. 3. Gather materials for the hands-on workshop, such as sketch pads, pencils, and reference images of scientists for students to use in their doll design concepts. 4. Set up a comfortable and organized space for the seminar and workshop, ensuring all necessary equipment (e.g., projector, seating) is ready for use. |
| Week 2 |
Day 2
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduction to Women in Science - Explore profiles of historical women scientists through group discussion and multimedia resources to understand their contributions and challenges (20 min)
Doll Concept Sketching - Begin sketching initial ideas for dolls inspired by the scientists studied, focusing on unique characteristics and scientific achievements (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Research Report: A concise written report summarizing the group's selected woman scientist, highlighting her contributions, the historical context, and philosophical insights.
2. Design Sketch: Initial sketches of the proposed doll design, incorporating elements that represent the scientist's achievements and character. 3. Peer Feedback Summary: A document compiling feedback received from classmates on their research and design ideas, outlining potential revisions. |
| Preparation |
1. Research Materials: Compile a list of resources including books, articles, and online databases about women scientists for students to explore.
2. Knitting Supplies: Gather and distribute basic knitting materials such as yarn, knitting needles, and pattern guides for the students to practice with. 3. Workshop Setup: Arrange the classroom for the knitting workshop with stations that include all necessary tools and materials. 4. Feedback Framework: Develop a structure or rubric to guide students in providing and receiving constructive feedback during group discussions. |
| Week 3 |
Day 3
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Historical Women Scientists Research - Conduct research on assigned historical women scientists using multimedia resources to gather detailed information about their contributions and challenges (30 min)
Group Discussion on Research Findings - Share and discuss research findings in small groups, focusing on how these scientists impacted their fields and society (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. A research summary on a chosen woman scientist, detailing her contributions and historical context.
2. A preliminary sketch or design draft of the woven doll, annotated with notes on how it represents the chosen scientist. |
| Preparation |
1. Compile a list of resources and references on women scientists for student research, including books, articles, and videos.
2. Prepare materials for the brainstorming workshop, such as sketch paper, pencils, and templates for doll designs. 3. Set up a space for philosophical inquiry discussions, ensuring a conducive environment for open dialogue. 4. Coordinate logistics for any follow-up questions or virtual sessions with the local women scientists from the seminar. |
| Week 4 |
Day 4
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Philosophical Context Discussion - Facilitate a discussion on the philosophical contexts of the scientists being studied, highlighting how their philosophical views influenced their scientific contributions (20 min)
Interactive Doll Design Brainstorm - Engage students in a collaborative brainstorming session to integrate philosophical themes into their doll designs, encouraging creativity and exploration (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed individual research notes on a selected female scientist, including key contributions and personal background.
2. A group storyboard that outlines the life and achievements of the chosen scientist, serving as a visual plan for the doll design. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather research materials, including books, articles, and online resources about influential women in science.
2. Provide access to computers or tablets for students to conduct research and collaborate on storyboards. 3. Prepare a template or guide for creating storyboards to help students organize their ideas visually. |
| Week 5 |
Day 5
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring Philosophy of Science - Engage in a philosophical discussion about the nature of scientific inquiry and the role of women, connecting ideas to the scientists studied (20 min)
Crafting Philosophical Profiles - Begin constructing philosophical profiles for each scientist, integrating historical context and scientific contributions (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. A short presentation on a chosen female scientist, highlighting her contributions and the philosophical context of her work.
2. A conceptual sketch of the doll design, with annotations explaining the elements chosen to represent the scientist. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather biographies and resources on female scientists for students to use in their research.
2. Prepare materials for sketching, such as paper, pencils, and colored markers. 3. Organize a space for students to present and discuss their findings and sketches. 4. Facilitate access to digital resources or library materials for extended research. |
| Week 6 |
Day 6
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Women Scientists Storytelling Session - Invite local women scientists to share personal stories and discuss how their experiences relate to historical figures studied, encouraging students to make connections between past and present contributions (30 min)
Doll Design Refinement - Refine doll designs based on insights gained from storytelling session, focusing on unique attributes and scientific achievements of each scientist (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Research profile for each chosen woman scientist, including key achievements, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings of their work.
2. Initial sketches and design concepts for the woven dolls, reflecting the scientist's contributions and characteristics. |
| Preparation |
1. Provide access to a variety of research materials, including library books, reputable online databases, and articles related to women in science.
2. Organize a workshop on effective research techniques and the use of digital tools for gathering and organizing information. 3. Prepare art supplies such as sketchbooks, pencils, and design templates for students to draw their initial doll concepts. 4. Arrange for a guest speaker session with a local woman scientist, focusing on the process of scientific discovery and innovation. |
| Week 7 |
Day 7
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring Contemporary Female Scientists - Students research and present on contemporary female scientists, focusing on their contributions and impact (30 min)
Design Integration Workshop - Begin integrating contemporary scientific themes into doll designs, encouraging creativity and connection to current scientific contexts (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. A research summary on the selected female scientist, highlighting key contributions and philosophical impacts.
2. A design concept for the knitted doll, including sketches and an explanation of the symbolism behind the design. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather research materials and resources (books, articles, online databases) about women scientists.
2. Provide knitting supplies (yarns, needles, patterns) and art materials for sketching doll designs. 3. Arrange and prepare a space for collaborative group discussions and design brainstorming. |
| Week 8 |
Day 8
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Analyzing Historical Impact - Collaboratively analyze the societal impact of the contributions made by women scientists studied, identifying key changes their work brought to their fields (30 min)
Connecting Philosophies - Discuss how the philosophical perspectives of these scientists influenced their approach to scientific challenges, focusing on perseverance and innovation (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed storyboard or script for the presentation of each student's woven doll.
|
| Preparation |
1. Prepare a list of public speaking and storytelling techniques to be shared with students.
2. Set up a comfortable space for reflection and peer feedback sessions. 3. Gather materials for storyboard creation, such as large paper, markers, and other art supplies. 4. Coordinate with local women scientists to ensure their availability for feedback or guidance sessions. |
| Week 9 |
Day 9
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Touches on Doll Designs - Students work on finalizing the intricate details of their doll designs, ensuring that each aspect accurately reflects the scientist's contributions and characteristics (30 min)
Peer Review and Feedback Session - Facilitate a peer review session where students present their nearly finished doll designs to classmates and receive constructive feedback for improvement (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed storyboard detailing the life and contributions of the chosen female scientist.
2. Initial design sketches and documented features to be included in the woven dolls, reflecting the scientist's story. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for research, including books, articles, and digital resources about women scientists.
2. Prepare storyboard templates and art supplies for students to visually represent their scientist's story. 3. Collect weaving materials such as yarn, needles, and fabric for the doll-making process. 4. Develop guidelines for the peer review session to foster constructive feedback and collaboration among students. |
| Week 10 |
Day 10
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Interactive Analysis Workshop - Facilitate a workshop where students collaboratively analyze and critique each other's doll designs, focusing on historical accuracy and the representation of scientific contributions (30 min)
Design Enhancement Session - Encourage students to refine their doll designs based on peer feedback, ensuring that the philosophical aspects of each scientist's work are well-represented (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students will submit an updated draft of their scientist's narrative, incorporating peer feedback and additional research insights.
2. Each student will provide a progress photo and description of their woven doll, highlighting any new design elements added based on the week's activities. |
| Preparation |
1. Prepare a diverse collection of yarns, threads, and embellishments for the Material Exploration session, ensuring a variety of textures and colors are available.
2. Set up a space conducive to collaborative work, with enough seating for 'Story Weaving' and 'Design Enhancement' sessions. 3. Create a checklist for students to guide the 'Peer Feedback' session, focusing on specific aspects like symbolism, historical accuracy, and design coherence. 4. Coordinate with local women scientists to provide additional inspirational materials or anecdotes that can be shared during the week. |
| Week 11 |
Day 11
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Exhibition Planning Session - Collaborate on planning the layout and presentation of the exhibition, ensuring each doll's story is prominently featured (30 min)
Interactive Storyboarding - Develop storyboard panels that narrate the historical and philosophical journey of each scientist represented in the dolls (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students will submit a revised storyboard or narrative outline detailing the historical and philosophical context of the scientist their doll represents, incorporating peer feedback.
2. Completion of a significant portion of the woven doll, demonstrating integration of narrative and design elements discussed during the week. |
| Preparation |
1. Arrange for a local woman scientist to visit and speak with the class, coordinating logistics such as time, location, and any necessary technology for presentations.
2. Prepare materials for the peer review session, including feedback forms and guidelines to help students provide constructive criticism. 3. Ensure availability of weaving materials and tools, checking inventory and replenishing supplies as needed for students to continue their doll-making. 4. Create a comfortable and collaborative environment for the storytelling and feedback sessions, arranging seating and ensuring all necessary materials are ready. |
| Week 12 |
Day 12
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Finalize Exhibition Setup - Collaborate on organizing the exhibit space, ensuring each doll's story and scientific contributions are clearly displayed (30 min)
Rehearse Presentation Skills - Practice interactive storytelling and presentation techniques to effectively share the narratives of the women scientists represented in the dolls (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed woven doll representing a chosen woman scientist, incorporating historical and philosophical elements.
2. Draft presentation script detailing the scientist's narrative, contributions, and the significance of the doll design. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather knitting materials and tools for doll construction, ensuring availability for all students.
2. Compile historical and philosophical resources to support accurate and meaningful doll designs. 3. Provide guidance and templates for presentation script development, focusing on clarity, engagement, and historical context. |
| Week 13 |
Day 13
|
|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Doll Assembly - Ensure all components of the dolls are securely attached and the designs are complete, reflecting the historical and philosophical narratives of the scientists (30 min)
Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the exhibition, practicing presentations and interactive storytelling with peers to refine delivery (30 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Finalized woven dolls representing influential women scientists.
2. Prepared exhibition space ready for community viewing. 3. Rehearsed and refined presentations for the exhibition. |
| Preparation |
1. Gather all completed woven dolls and necessary materials for final touch-ups.
2. Coordinate logistics for the exhibition setup, including tables, display boards, and any required technology. 3. Invite local women scientists and community members to attend the exhibition. 4. Prepare feedback forms for students to use during peer reviews. |