Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges

NOV 15, 2019

Students will learn about the history of women’s colleges and their role in physical science education by exploring several key institutions that offer physical science degrees.

AIP History

thephysicalsciencesatwomen%27scolleges-picture.jpg — Young women conducting an experiment in the Physics Laboratory, Wellesley College AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives

In this lesson plan, students will be introduced to the history of women’s colleges in the United States and their role in physical science education. Students will learn about opportunities to earn a Bachelor’s or graduate degree in physical science at different women’s colleges. Using photographs and other primary source material, students will research the long history of the physical sciences at women’s colleges.
Grade level(s): 9-12
Guide subjects: Contemporary, History, Physics
Minority Group(s): Women
In-class time: 70-90 minutes
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access required, Audio/Video not required
Common Core Standards: Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies, Subject Writing

Downloads

Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges Lesson Plan (.pdf) Women’s Colleges Selection Table (.pdf) Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges Discussion Questions (.pdf) Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges Discussion Question Answer Key (.pdf) Analyzing Historical Photographs Worksheet (.pdf) Teaching Guide: The Physical Sciences at Women’s Colleges Original Documents ZIP Archive (.zip)