Inspiring Black Scientists

Curriculum Area & Level

• Subject: Science
• Grade Level: 6th Grade (Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards - NGSS)
• Standard:
  • NGSS Practice: Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) – Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
  • NGSS Core Idea: History and Nature of Science – The contributions of diverse scientists to scientific knowledge

---

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this 40-minute lesson, students will:

1. Identify key Black scientists and their contributions to various scientific fields.
2. Analyze the impact of these scientists on modern science.
3. Engage in a Gallery Walk activity to explore and discuss their findings.
4. Develop skills in presenting and synthesizing scientific information.

---

Materials Needed

• Printed posters or fact sheets on Black scientists (examples below)
• Sticky notes
• Markers
• Stopwatch
• Whiteboard and markers
• Pre-made worksheet with reflection questions

Featured Scientists:

1. Katherine Johnson – NASA mathematician, spaceflight calculations
2. George Washington Carver – Agricultural scientist, crop rotation innovations
3. Marie Maynard Daly – Biochemist, contributions to cardiovascular health
4. Ernest Everett Just – Marine biology, cell structure research
5. Mae Jemison – First Black woman in space, engineering and medical studies

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Hook (5 minutes)

• Begin by asking:
  "Can you name a famous scientist? Now, can you name a Black scientist?"
• Write student responses on the board.
• Briefly introduce the importance of representation in science and why we need to learn about these figures.

---

2. Gallery Walk Activity (25 minutes)

Step 1: Setup (2 minutes)

• Divide students into 11 groups of 5 (due to a large class size).
• Place posters or fact sheets about five scientists around the room.
• Assign each group a starting station.

Step 2: Exploration (12 minutes, 3 min per station)

• Each group spends 3 minutes at a station, reading about the scientist.
• As they read, they must:
  • Highlight one key fact they find interesting.
  • Write one question or comment on a sticky note and place it on the poster.
• Rotate clockwise every 3 minutes after the teacher signals with a bell/stopwatch.

Step 3: Discussion (5 minutes)

• Once all groups have rotated through each station, have a brief whole-class discussion:
  1. What surprised you the most?
  2. Which scientist’s contributions seemed the most impactful?
  3. Why do you think some scientists aren't as well-known?

---

3. Reflection & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

• Distribute reflection worksheets asking students:
  1. Name two scientists who inspired you today.
  2. How might their work connect to something in your own life?
  3. If you could meet one of these figures, what would you ask them?
• Collect worksheets for assessment.

---

Assessment Criteria

• Participation in Gallery Walk (Did students actively engage and leave thoughtful questions?)
• Quality of Reflection (Did they express understanding and curiosity?)
• Class Discussion Contributions (Did they share insights or thoughts?)

---

Teacher Notes & Differentiation

• For advanced students: Have them research additional Black scientists and present to the class.
• For struggling students: Provide guided questions or sentence starters for their sticky notes and reflection responses.
• Classroom Management Tip: Use another student's hand signals for rotations (vs. noise alarms).

---

Extension Idea

• Assign students to create mini-biographies on unsung Black scientists and present their findings in a future lesson.

---

This lesson plan not only teaches science history but also promotes diversity in STEM, ensuring students see themselves in the scientists shaping our world! 🚀