Black Scientists

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This collection of books, websites, and databases focuses on Black Scientists.

Books:

• Benjamin Banneker : American scientific pioneer by Myra Weatherly: A biography of eighteenth-century African-American farmer, surveyor, mathematician, and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, who is best known for being the first African-American to publish an almanac and for surveying the area that would become the nation's capital.

• Breaking the mold : changing the face of climate science by Dana Alison Levy: Sixteen profiles of scientists who are changing the face of science and the future of Earth through their research.

• Breakthrough! : how three people saved "blue babies" and changed medicine forever by Jim Murphy: The story of the landmark 1944 surgical procedure that repaired the heart of a child with blue baby syndrome--lack of blood oxygen caused by a congenital defect. The team that developed the procedure included a cardiologist and a surgeon, but most of the actual work was done by Vivien Thomas, an African American lab assistant who was frequently mistaken for a janitor.

• Changing the equation : 50+ US Black women in STEM by Tonya Bolden: Award-winning author Tonya Bolden explores the black women who have changed the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in America. Including groundbreaking computer scientists, doctors, inventors, physicists, pharmacists, mathematicians, aviators, and many more, this book celebrates over 50 women who have shattered the glass ceiling, defied racial discrimination, and pioneered in their fields.

• Chasing space by Leland Melvin: Former football player, astronaut, and engineer, Leland Melvin recounts his career and achieving his dream of being in space.

• George Washington Carver by James Marion Gray: Describes the life and accomplishments of the former slave who became a scientist and devoted his career to helping the South improve its agriculture.

• George Washington Carver : from slave to scientist by Janet Benge: A biography of George Washington Carver, sharing the story of how he was kidnapped as an infant along with his slave mother and later recovered and adopted by his owners, and telling how he was able to rise above poverty and racism to become an important scientist and teacher.

• Great scientists by Jacqueline Fortey: Full-color photographs, illustrations, and clip art introduces readers to the great scientists of the world.

• Hidden figures : the untold true story of four African-American women who helped launch our nation into space by Margot Lee Shetterly: Before John Glenn orbited the earth, or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as -human computers- used pencils, slide rules, and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space.

• Stolen science : thirteen untold stories of scientists and inventors almost written out of history by Ella Schwartz: Over the centuries, women, people from underrepresented communities, and immigrants overcame prejudices and social obstacles to make . . . discoveries in science--but they weren't the ones to receive credit in history books. People with more power, money, and prestige were remembered as the inventor of the telephone, the scientists who decoded the structure of DNA, and the doctor who discovered the cause of yellow fever. This book aims to set the record straight and celebrate the nearly forgotten inventors and scientists who shaped our world today.

• Trailblazers : 33 women in science who changed the world by Rachel Swaby: A collection of profiles of some of history's most fascinating female scientists.

• Who is Neil deGrasse Tyson? by Pam Pollack: When he was nine years old, Neil deGrasse Tyson went on a trip that would change his life. While visiting the Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, he discovered the world of astronomy and felt like the universe was calling to him. He answered that call by diving deep into astronomy courses. After graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, he went on to earn a doctorate in astrophysics and eventually found his way back to the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist and, later, as its director.

Databases:

• Britannica Online School Edition has a biography browse section, or you can search by the name of the person you want to research.

• World Book Student is an online encyclopedia with a biography center. 

Websites:

• 10 Black Innovators Who Have Made an Impact in STEM: In celebration of Black History Month, we’re shining a light on trailblazing Black inventors and innovators who have made a lasting impact through STEM. Their stories prove that with curiosity, creativity, and determination, you too can help shape the future.

• 11 Famous Black Inventors Who Changed Your Life: From Madam C.J. Walker’s hair care products to Mark Dean’s computer innovations, these Black inventors' creations continue to impact everyday life.

• 16 black STEM innovators who have defined our modern world: In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to highlight some of the individuals, past and present, who should be routinely recognized for their achievements. Say hello to a new list of potential role models for your aspiring engineer, designer, or programmer.

• 17 Black Leaders in STEM to Honor During Black History Month: From as early as the 1700s, Black scientists, engineers, inventors, and other professionals have made incredible contributions to STEM-related fields that still affect our lives today.

• 40 Scientists to Learn About for Black History Month: February is Black History Month. Learn more about some of the many African American scientists and engineers who have made important contributions to science history.

• Biography.com: Check out Black History Month on Biography. com. Search for the scientist you'd like to learn more about.

• Dr. Charles Drew: Charles Drew was an African-American doctor and scientist in the early 1900s. His work on blood storage and blood banks helped to save thousands of lives during World War II.

• George Washington Carver: George Washington Carver (c. 1864-1943) was an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of products using peanuts (though not peanut butter, as is often claimed), sweet potatoes and soybeans. This work earned him the nickname “The Peanut Man.”

• NSTA: Recognizing the Many Contributions of African Americans: From the invention of the three-light traffic light to the first moon-based observatory, African American mathematicians, scientists, and inventors have contributed extensively to our nation’s greatness.

• Ten Black Scientists That Science Teachers Should Know About: Helping your students see the possibilities of careers in STEM fields means providing them with new role models. Black History Month offers teachers more opportunities to feature the contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in the context of their classroom instruction.