African American Science Pioneers Flex Course

In this 8-week flex course, students will listen and engage with a lecture/activity styled class weekly. We will read and learn about some of the world's most amazing African American  Science Pioneers. Becoming successful, accomplished and acknowledged for their contributions to the field was quite the challenge yet they persevered and became successful. While many of the scientist we will cover have lived in a time where life and the treatment of people of African decent was more negative and were faced with different kinds of obstacles, they all share a common heritage and a common goal which is to improve the lives of African Americans and others. The men and women we will cover in this flex class faced many difficulties, tested limits, had to cope with disappointments and find strength in their struggle. We will cover what and why certain events happened and talk about some harsh reality these women faced. This class is meant to teach and stimulate meaningful conversations and interactions around these scenarios in our classroom, homes and the world around us. 

Each week in class students, will listen to an interactive lecture on one amazing woman and complete a related activity. The activity will range from graphic organizers, lapbooks, physical project or other. Students will need to come to class with a pencil, eraser, paper or handout provided by me, and on occasion colored pencils or crayons. On occasion we may use encyclopedias or other online research tools to complete class activities. At the end of this course, students will have a self made reference book of women from history whom many others do not know about. 

Students are expected to post reactions, comments, questions and pictures of their assignments in the classroom where their peers can interact with them and leave responses on each others posts. Students are expected to comment on at least one other students posted work and give response or reaction to comments in they have a reaction to, an opinion on or addition to the thread of conversation. Students will be sure to post pictures of their assignments so that I can interact with them and give feedback on their work. Students should also post questions for the teacher in the classroom so that I may answer them there. This will be a very interactive class with assignments that should be completed prior to the previous class.

Week 1: Benjamin Banneker
   Assignment: Learning Journal or Almanac 

Week 2: Edward A. Bouchet
   Assignment: Graphic Organizer

Week 3: Charles Henry Turner
   Assignment: Nature Study/ Worksheet 

Week 4: Ernest Everett Just
   Assignment: Graphic Organizer

Week 5: George Washington Carver
   Assignment:  Peanut Butter Fudge (instructions will be provided)

Week 6: Percy Julian
   Assignment: Experiment (supply list and instructions will be provided)

Week 7: Norbert Rillieux
    Assignment: Experiment (supply list and instructions will be provided)

Week 8: Ruth Ella Moore
    Assignment: Graphic Organizer