Curated OER
Women's Achievement Quiz
How much do you or your class know about various achievements made by women thorughout history? Here is a set of 10 questions with answers all related to the accomplishments of women in science, politics, civil rights, and law.
DocsTeach
What is Patent Number 1,693,515?
Scholars examine a document from 1928 featuring a mystery invention. Following their observations and discussion, the document reveals the invention of the permanent wave machine by Marjorie S. Joyner. Class members read about Joyner,...
National Woman's History Museum
Inventive Women - Part 1
While a woman didn't invent the parasol, three women received patents for their improvements to the original design of umbrellas. In the first of a two-part series on inventive women, class members investigate the patent system to...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Women Inventors
Discover the contributions of several women inventors. Did you know a woman invented the Kevlar Vest? Teacher resources available for download.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: No. 326: Colonial Women Inventors
Provides information on two Colonial women inventors. This is a transcript of an accompanying radio broadcast.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives: Stephanie Kwolek and Kevlar, the Wonder Fiber
Smithsonian site features Stephanie Kwolek, the inventor of kevlar. Learn about her famous discovery and the road she took to get there. Contains links to read more about women inventors.
A&E Television
History.com: 9 Groundbreaking Inventions by Women
Women inventors are behind a wide range of key innovations, from Kevlar to dishwashers to better life rafts. Female inventors have played a large role in U.S. history, but haven't always received credit for their work. Women --...
Other
California State Polytechnic University: Women Inventors: Sarah E. Goode
The hideaway bed was originally invented by a former slave and furniture store owner, Sarah E. Goode.
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Zoom Inventors and Inventions
This site has an alphabetized list of inventions and inventors throughout history. You can also explore by era, topic or nationality.
National Women’s History Museum
National Women's History Museum: Hedy Lamarr
Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today's WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Innovative Lives
At this site from the Smithsonian Institute you can explore the world of invention by learning about inventors and their inventions. Searchable by name or subject, it is a great way for students to learn about science and technology.
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: Spark!lab: Inventor Profiles: Charlotte Cramer Sachs
Charlotte Cramer Sachs held the patents on many inventions. She invented quick baking products such as Joy muffin mixes, as well as accessories for dogs and musical games. One invention was a precursor to the retractable dog leash. A...
Other
Ed Surge: Can Anyone Be an Inventor? Mit's Invention Education Officer Says Yes
This article is part of The EdSurge Podcast. Today, there are plenty of middle and high school students who have developed solutions to major economic and social challenges, ranging from health care and transportation to agriculture and...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Forgotten Inventors
Here is an accounting of a few inventions, most of which were invented in the 1800s, that often are overlooked. Find out about how the can opener was invented as well as that clothing staple, the denim jeans.
Agnes Scott College
Agnes Scott College: Grace Murray Hopper
Short biography includes a picture and references.
Yale University
Yale: The Ada Project: Grace Murray Hopper
A concise biography that includes personal as well as professional information.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Madame c.j. Walker
At this site from the MIT Program you can read how Sarah Breedlove McWilliams Walker, or Madame C.J. Walker, and Marjorie Joyner "founded beauty schools for blacks" and changed the lives of African-Americans.
