Women in Mathematics
An Internet WebQuest on Women in Mathematics
created
by
Mar Vista High School
edited by
Masconomet Regional Middle School
If you
have spent any time studying the history of mathematics, you will notice that
the individuals mentioned in the history books are predominantly of the male
gender. Women have certainly contributed to the development of the field of
mathematics, but their contributions, at least until the 20th century, have not
been noted. As we enter the 21st century, it is important to heighten our
awareness of this social condition as we continue to encourage people of both
genders to study and make advances in the field of mathematics.
First
you and your partner will conduct research on the inequities of women and
math. Second, you will get a brief
overview of the history of mathematics.
Then, in order to heighten your awareness of the role women have played
in the development of the field of mathematics, you and your partner will
research biographical information about two women mathematicians, one 20-21st
Century and one pre 20th Century woman. You will interview a woman who uses
math or science in their everyday life and get her success story. Answer the 2
questions about math. Based on your research give your
forecast for women's involvement in the future of mathematics for the 21st
century.
After
completing this assignment, you will be more aware of the history of
mathematics in general and the role that women have played in its development.
In this
WebQuest you will be working with a partner. Each
group will answer the Task or Quest(ion).
·
Why
has math been considered a man’s field of work?
·
What
can be done to encourage a woman to pursue the field of mathematics?
You and
your partner will explore Web pages from people all over the world about the
history of women in mathematics. You'll begin getting some background before
choosing your mathematicians.
Use the Internet
resources below to familiarize yourself with the overall situation involving
the role of women in mathematics. Everyone should explore all the sites by
reading the interesting and sometimes astonishing articles about women and
math. Afterwards, in order for you to get a broad view of the
history of mathematics, browse through the web page on the overview of the
history of mathematics. Click on at least three of the links on the page
to learn about the major contributors to the field over the ages.
·
The
Gender Gap in the Computer Field This site provides many
links to stories about women and math.
·
Myths
about Women and Math Check
out the Myths and the Realities about women and engineering. Gives ideas about how to promote this field
for women.
·
Overview
of the history of mathematics -
Provides a good overview of the whole history of mathematics. Check out the
links from this page.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use
these links to find the biographies of famous women mathematicians from past
and present.
·
Women
Mathematicians – A good site to find past and present women mathematicians.
·
University of
Oregon's site of Women Mathematicians– Past and present women
mathematicians.
·
Distinguished Women
Past and Present
·
Women and Math Links – Excellent
site with many links
·
Biographies of Women
Mathematicians
·
Association for Women in
Mathematics
·
Canadian Mathematical
Society
Now
that you have gathered all of your material, it is time to work together with
your partner to write the final product. The essay must be typed in Microsoft
Word. Spelling and grammar will be
graded. The essay should include:
·
A
(very) brief overview of the history of mathematics – 1 paragraph minimum
·
Biographical
information about two women mathematicians; one pre 20th century and the other
20-21st century mathematicians – Must have a minimum of 5 facts about each
person, including what contribution they made to the field of mathematics
·
Answer
the two questions from above:
Why
has math been considered a man’s field of work?
Answer
in 2-3 sentences
What
can be done to encourage women to pursue a career in the field of mathematics?
Answer
in 2-3 sentences
·
A
success story from a woman who uses math or science in their everyday
life. Who is she? What does she do for a living? Where does she work? How does she use math or science? Did she encounter any problems along the way
with gender bias? Does she have a degree? If so, what degree(s) did she earn?
Answer
must be a minimum of 2 paragraphs
·
Based
on your research give your forecast for women's involvement in the future of
mathematics for the 21st century.
Minimum
of 2-3 sentences
·
A complete
bibliography of sources used to gather your information (fill out citation
sheets) then create a bibliography page in correct format, copying info from
the citation sheets.
Your essays will be graded as to the following:
Criteria
Points
|
Brief overview of History of Math |
10 |
|
Biographical Info on 2 women mathematicians |
20 |
|
Answer two questions |
10 |
|
Success story from interview |
15 |
|
Your forecast for women’s involvement in the field of mathematics in the new century |
15 |
|
Bibliography in correct format |
15 |
|
Spelling, punctuation, correct sentence structure, neatly typed using no more than 14 font. |
15 |
Total |
100 |
Guiding Philosophy
This curriculum framework envisions all students in the Commonwealth achieving mathematical competence through a strong mathematics program that emphasizes problem solving, communicating, reasoning and proof, making connections, and using representations. Acquiring such competence depends in large part on a clear, comprehensive, coherent, and developmentally appropriate set of standards to guide curriculum expectations.
Making Connections
Mathematics is not a
collection of separate strands or standards. Rather, it is an integrated field
of study. Students develop a perspective of the mathematics field as an integrated
whole by understanding connections within and outside of the discipline. It is
important for teachers to demonstrate the significance and relevance of the
subject by encouraging students to explore the connections that exist within
mathematics, with other disciplines, and between mathematics and students’ own
experiences.