The theme of World Space Week 2021 is ‘Women in Space’. Broadly speaking, STEM subjects are seen as being dominated by men, BUT there have been stacks of amazing contributions by women to the world of space exploration.
Let’s make sure these stories are brought to life in the classroom!
- Katharine Louise Bouman is an American scientist who helped take the first ever photograph of a black hole.
- Another Katharine, Katharine Coleman Goble Johnson, was an African American mathematician, whose work has been instrumental in US space exploration.
Nonetheless, nearly 90% of those who have been to space have been men, so World Space Week is also looking to inspire some new budding female astronauts!
Why not encourage your students to check out the NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration site where you’ll discover the very ‘First Woman’ Graphic Novels and Interactive Experiences.
‘First Woman’ tells the tale of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon. While Callie is a fictional character, the first female astronaut and person of colour will soon set foot on the Moon – a historic milestone and part of upcoming NASA missions.
Through a series of graphic novels and digital platforms, First Woman aims to capture our attention and unite the next generation of explorers who will return to the Moon.
Not only that, it also showcases some of the instrumental female figures making things happen on the ground including Peggy Whitson who was the first woman to serve as the Commander of the International Space Station.
