For generations, children have been told they can become anything. Yet, when we look at real-world numbers, girls are still significantly under-represented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to UNESCO, women make up only about 35% of STEM higher-education students and less than 30% of global researchers. The gender gap begins early — studies suggest many girls start doubting their STEM abilities by middle school.
Encouraging girls to explore STEM at a young age can change that trajectory. When kids learn about brilliant female inventors, astronauts, mathematicians, and scientists — and get hands-on with activities inspired by them — they begin to see STEM as a world where they truly belong.
This guide introduces kids to ten remarkable women whose imagination and determination reshaped history. Alongside each inspiring role model, you’ll find a simple, fun STEM activity children can do at home or in the classroom.
1. Marie Curie – The Pioneer of Radioactivity
Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize — and the only person to win in both Physics and Chemistry — opened the world’s eyes to radioactivity.
Activity:
Create a glowing crystal experiment using safe kitchen ingredients like salt and water mixed with highlighter fluid (under adult supervision). Observe how crystals form and glow under a UV light, symbolizing Curie’s work with glowing radium samples.
STEM Skill: Scientific observation & chemistry basics
2. Ada Lovelace – The World’s First Computer Programmer
Before computers existed, Ada Lovelace imagined how machines could follow patterns and solve problems. She is widely celebrated as the first computer programmer.
Activity:
Try a paper-based coding maze. Create arrows and logic cards (move forward, turn left, repeat), then “program” a path to move a paper character across a maze.
STEM Skill: Computational thinking & early coding logic
3. Katherine Johnson – NASA Mathematician & Space Hero
Katherine Johnson’s calculations helped send astronauts into space and bring them home safely. Her precision and courage changed the course of space history.
Activity:
Build a simple paper rocket launcher. Use a straw and paper rocket tube, then measure how far rockets fly when blown with force — just like real trajectory studies.
STEM Skill: Math measurement & physics concepts
4. Mae Jemison – First African-American Woman in Space
Doctor, engineer, and astronaut — Mae Jemison broke barriers and proved that curiosity knows no bounds.
Activity:
Design a DIY space shuttle model using cardboard, aluminum foil, and recycled materials. Add labels to parts like “fuel tank,” “booster,” and “cockpit.”
STEM Skill: Aerospace awareness & engineering desig
5. Rosalind Franklin – The DNA Discovery Hero
Rosalind Franklin captured the world’s first images of DNA’s double helix, paving the way for genetic science.
Activity:
Make an edible DNA model using candy or clay beads for base pairs and licorice strands for structure. Learn A-T and C-G base pairing while building.
STEM Skill: Biology basics & molecular structure
6. Hedy Lamarr – Inventor Behind Wi-Fi Technology
Famous as a film star, Hedy Lamarr was also a self-taught inventor whose frequency-hopping idea later contributed to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Activity:
Experiment with sound signal patterns. Use cups and string to make a communication phone, then cover the string with different materials to see how signal transmission changes.
STEM Skill: Physics of waves & communication systems
7. Grace Hopper – Inventor of Computer Programming Language
Admiral Grace Hopper helped create COBOL, one of the first programming languages. Her work made computers usable for everyday people.
Activity:
Practice binary coding beads. Assign colors to 1s and 0s and bead a bracelet representing a word or initials in binary code.
STEM Skill: Binary logic & computer science fundamentals
8. Jane Goodall – The Chimpanzee Scientist
Jane Goodall transformed the field of primatology with her gentle approach and long-term chimpanzee research in Tanzania.
Activity:
Start a wildlife observation notebook. Spend time outdoors observing birds, insects, or local animals. Record behaviors just like a wildlife biologist.
STEM Skill: Ecology, observation & data logging
9. Kalpana Chawla – Aerospace Engineer & Astronaut
Born in India and inspiring millions, Kalpana Chawla became an engineer and later journeyed to space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia.
Activity:
Build a parachute lander using tissue paper, tape, string, and a small toy. Drop from different heights to simulate capsule re-entry.
STEM Skill: Gravity, drag forces & aerospace engineering
10. Dr. Hayat Sindi – Biotechnologist Innovating for Global Health
Saudi scientist Hayat Sindi works to develop affordable medical devices to help communities around the world.
Activity:
Create a simple stethoscope using tubing, balloons, and funnels. Kids can safely listen to heartbeat changes before and after light exercise.
STEM Skill: Human biology & health technology
How These Activities Help Build Confidence
When children — especially girls — explore STEM through creative hands-on experiences, they learn:
- Problem-solving skills
- Confidence in experimentation
- The joy of building and inventing
- Real-world relevance of science and technology
They also see that STEM is diverse, imaginative, and for everyone.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
- Encourage trial and error — mistakes are part of learning
- Display kids’ STEM projects proudly
- Watch documentaries and read books about women scientists
- Celebrate curiosity and curiosity questions (“Why?” and “How?”)
- Give equal access to tools, tech toys, and science kits
Early encouragement creates lifelong impact. When children see role models who look like them, STEM stops being intimidating and becomes a world of possibility.