This album was created by a member of the TPS Teachers Network, a professional social media network for educators, funded by a grant from the Library of Congress. For more information, visit tpsteachersnetwork.org.

Sending You a Postcard! - Women’s History Month

Album Description

Throwback Thursday- A couple years back, working with primary sources from the Library of Congress, I created a sampler postcard book for Women’s History Month.  My thoughts were that teachers might use the book as a guide as they created lessons centered around women’s history.  The book, titled Reminders from the Ceiling Breakers , is in the Apple Book store. A pdf of the books is located in Google Drive.

Cover of Postcard book

This year, using the TPS Teachers Network Album tool, I’m sending you a postcard a day from that book (12 total). I’m thinking that this might be a technique to use in professional learning within the TPS Teachers Network. It might also be something educators use to emphasize both Women’s History Month, Library of Congress primary sources and a Woman’s History “ramp up” activity for learners.

You might want to revisit the Insider Post by Mary). Johnson , Sharing Albums - An Act of Generosity which explains how you might grab an image (postcard) from within an Album and share with others out side of our TPS Teachers Network.

Each post card post carries a questions for learners and a challenge.  And to dive deeper, use the search box in the TPS Teachers Network to find many rich ideas for teaching Women’s History.

So don’t forget to pick up your daily card here, and ponder Women’s History during the Month of March (and beyond).

  Women’s History Month   Women’s History   Postcards 

March 9,2023 - Challenging Educational Opportunities in Schools

Teaching Notes

This is a wonderful image for high school students to ponder and research about their own schools. How were electives classified in the past? What was the gender breakdown of students in these electives?

[High school girls learn the art of automobile mechanics. Left to right: Grace Hurd, Evelyn Harrison, and Corinna DiJiulian, with Grace Wagner (under car), at Central High, Wash. D.C.].- Library of Congress

 

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we amplify the role women had in changing the structure of education?

  Women’s History    High School    Challenge Based Learning    Digital Postcards  

Challenge: Inform learners about the contributions of bold and brave women throughout history

Postcard question:

Career and technical high school classes such as auto, computer science, architectural drawing were historically thought of as only “for boys.”How did young women challenge that perception?

March 10, 2023 - Unbought and Unbossed

Teaching Notes

Shirley Chisholm’s inroad into politics and presidential campaign in 1972 is an inspiring look at women in politics.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we inspire girls and young women to be involved in the political process?

Challenge: Inform learners about the contributions of bold and brave women throughout history

Postcard question:

With the slogan “Unbought and Unbossed,”Shirley Chisholm ran for President of the United States in 1972. How did her candidacy inspire other women to seek political office?

  Women’s History    Challenge Based Learning    Shirley Chisholm    Politics    Digital Postcards  

March 11, 2023 Postcard - Sports Equity

Teaching Notes

Many students are involved in sports. This primary source challenges them to evaluate sports access and equity at their schools and in their communities.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: What have been the historic inequities for women in sports?

Challenge: Amplify sports equity in our school and community.

Postcard Question:

Women athletes in high school, college and professional sports struggle for equal facilities, media recognition and funding.  What discrimination did Althea Gibson and others challenge and what changes still need to be made?

  Sports    Equity    Althea Gibson    Tennis    Athletes    Woman’s History    Challenge Based Learning  

 

March 12, 2023 - Aeronautics & Space

Teaching Notes

There are many inspiring stories about women’s participation in aeronautics. Showcasing these might provide a pathway for student interest and careers.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we bring to the forefront women’s participation in aeronautics and space?

Challenge: Build a knowledge base of women’s participation in aeronautics and space.

Postcard Question:

Women’s role in aeronautics and Space has often gone unrecognized. Who are some women that have inspired change through their pioneering contributions? What gains have women recently made in the airline and Space industry?

  Women’s History    Amelia Earhart    Space    Airplanes    Aeronauticss    Challenge Based Learning  

March 13, 2023 - Cultural Norms

Teaching Notes

Students take a look at activities that were historically off limits to women and identify examples they still see today.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we teach others about women who pushed the boundaries of participation?

Challenge: Teach others about women who dared to defy.

Postcard Question:

Culture and/or social norms have often been blockages for women participating in activities that were dominated by men. How did women who “dared to defy” change cultural norms?

  Woman’s History Month    Challenge Based Learning    Cultural Norms  

March 14, 2023 - Political Powerhouses

Teaching Notes

It is important for all our learners to see themselves in the people we elect to represent us.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we amplify the political impact of women of color?

Challenge: Demonstrate and share the political impact of women of color.

Postcard Question:

Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to Congress. What gains have been made by women in political leadership? How has this effected the functioning of Congress and types of legislation passed?

  Patsy Mink    Women of Color    Challenge Based Learning    House of Representatives    Congress  

March 15, 2023 - Women at Work

Teaching Notes

What has been defined by culture as men’s work and women’s work has changed substantially overtime.  Students might explore these changes to understand some of the challenges women faced.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we illustrate for learners, the changing role of women in the workforce?

Challenge: Illustrate and share the changing role of women in the workforce.

Postcard Question:

As men left businesses and industries to serve during times of war women were called on to work jobs traditionally reserved for men. Did this lead to a change in the role of women in the workforce?

  Work    Women at Work    Challenge Based Learning    World War II    Postcard  

March 16, 2023 - 19th Amendment

Teaching Notes

It’s important for students to explore how movements can become amendments.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we tell the story of the passage of the 19th Amendment and its impact on women today?

Challenge: Craft and share with multiple media the story of the impact of the 19th Amendment.

Postcard Question:

The campaign for women’s voting rights was long and controversial. Explore the tactics and successes of the movement that finally led to the passage of the 19th Amendment.

  Suffrage     Suffrage Flag    19th Amendment    Women’s History    Challenge Based Learning    

March 17, 2023 - Women in Education

Teaching Notes

It has only been in recent history that principals or superintendents of schools were women (with some exceptions). Students take a look at the statistics of women and men in education.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we recognized the achievements of women in educational roles?

Challenge: Collect and share data on women in educational leadership positions

Postcard Question:

Women have long been involved in education, however historically not often in administrative or leadership positions. Mary McLeod Bethune was the first women educator to head a federal agency. How did her efforts open up opportunities for women?

  Women’s History    Mary McLeod Bethune    Education    Schools    Leadership    Challenge Based Learning  

Reference note

March 18 - Social Justice

Teaching Notes

Social Justice movements have been inspired by young women.  Learners can take a look at the impact these young activists have had on society.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we understand the impact of young women on social justice movements?

Challenge: Highlight current social justice movements led by young women today.

Postcard Question:

Young women as well as notable women have worked for causes side-by-side. What social justice movements have been lead by young women? What changes have they inspired?

 

  Social Justice Meovments    Strikes    Women’s History    Challenge Based Learning  

March 19, 2023 - Women in STEM

Teaching Notes

Showcasing examples of women in science & math encourages young women to look into these fields as career paths.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we amplify the role women have played in math and the sciences?

Challenge: Showcase the achievements of women in math and science throughout history.

Postcard Question:

In mathematics, science and medicine women’s contributions have often gone unrecognized. What notable discoveries or breakthroughs have women made in these fields?

  Woman’s History    STEM    Science    Math    Challenge Based Learning  

March 20, 2023 - Women in the Military

Teaching Notes

Students explore the historical and contemporary contributions of women in the military.

Big Idea: Woman’s History

Essential Question: How can we recognize the role women have played in in the military over time?

Challenge: Create an interactive resource that highlights the role of women in the military.

Postcard Question:

During times of war and of peace, women have served in the military. Whether code breakers or on the frontline, how have their experiences been recognized and supported? What challenges have they faced?

  Woman’s History    Military    Woman’s Radio Corps    Challenge Based Learning