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.
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.
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).
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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