Breaking Barriers

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Breaking Barriers

Lesson Plan

Breaking Through Gender Roles

Students will explore the women of NASA and identify and analyze their key contributions to the field of aeronautics.

Biography

Barbara Jordan

As a lawyer, a congresswoman, and a scholar, Barbara Jordan used her public speaking skills to fight for civil and human rights.

Biography

Olympia J. Snowe

Olympia Snowe was the first woman in American history to serve in both houses of State Legislature and both houses of Congress.

Biography

Kimberly Teehee

Kimberly Teehee became the first Cherokee Nation delegate in the House of Representatives

Lesson Plan

Utilizing Historic Sites for National History Day Research

Lesson plan that allows students to interview the staff at any historic site that focuses on women’s contributions to the past

Biography

Gabriela Mistral

Chilean author and educator Gabriela Mistral became the first Latin American author to receive the Nobel Prize in literature.

Biography

Jovita Idár

Mexican-American journalist, activist, and suffragist, Jovita Idár often faced dangerous situations, however she bravely fought the injustices in her time.

Biography

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno became the first Latina woman to earn an “E.G.O.T.:” an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

Lesson Plan

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposed in 1923, has never been ratified. Activists seeking gender equality have sought its ratification since its first proposal but have encountered resistance along the way.

Lesson Plan

The Path to Women’s Suffrage

Students analyze maps and primary documents and share stories of the Westward Expansion relating to gaining women’s suffrage.

Biography

Bernice Sandler

Known as the “Godmother of Title IX,” Bernice Sandler fought for women’s rights in education.

Biography

Corazon Aquino

Corazon “Cory” Aquino went from a shy law school student, to the first female president of the Philippines.

Biography

Patsy Mink

Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress.

Biography

Anna May Wong

Appearing in over sixty movies throughout her career, Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood.

Biography

Janet Mock

Janet Mock became the first transgender woman of color to write and direct an episode of television.

Biography

Joy Harjo

Poet, activist, and musician Joy Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate in history.

Biography

Mae Jemison

Astronaut Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space.

Biography

Mary Edwards Walker

Mary Edwards Walker is the only US woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor.

General

Rosie the Riveter Oral Histories

Biography

Mary Musgrove

Mary Musgrove become a negotiator between English and Native American communities and played an important role in the development of Colonial Georgia.