Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Woman Crush Wednesday: Esther Lederberg

From Molecules to Organisms: Structure &Transport

Mariah Warren, Shayna Pond, Brittany Bowens | Published: August 10th, 2022 by K20 Center

  • Grade Level Grade Level 9th, 10th
  • Subject Subject Science
  • Course Course Biology
  • Time Frame Time Frame 1-2 class period(s)
  • Duration More 60 minutes

Summary

Students will explore the impact female scientists have on the unit they are covering in class.

Essential Question(s)

How have female scientists shaped science today?

Snapshot

Engage:

Students will listen to the Esther Lederberg pages from the Women in Science book.

Explore:

Students will complete a Venn diagram comparing viruses and bacteria. 

Explain:

As a class, students will compose a large class-wide Venn diagram.

Extend:

Students will construct a model of a type of cell.

Evaluate:

Students will participate in a Gallery Walk

Materials

  • Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World Book by Rachel Ignotofsky

Engage

Read the Esther Lederberg pages (Pg. 82-83) from the book Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky.

Explore

Have students work in partners to complete a Venn diagram. Either hand out a copy of a blank Venn diagram or have each student draw two interlocking circles. Instruct students to label one circle "Virus" and the other "Bacteria." In the overlapping parts have students fill in similarities. On the outer portion students should write the differences. 

Explain

As a class, draw a large Venn diagram on poster paper and label it as the ones students used. Facilitate a discussion about what students have on their diagram and have a scribe add them to the large diagram. During this time, clarify any misconceptions and add any missing information. 

Extend

Split students into groups and assign each group a type of cell. Instruct each group to create a model of their type of cell. Each piece of the model should be labeled with its name and how the pieces work together to keep that cell alive.  

Evaluate

Students will participate in a Gallery Walk to see all the different types of cells.

Resources

  • Ignotofsky, R. (2016). Women in science: 50 fearless pioneers who changed the world. New York: Potter/TenSpeed/Harmony.