Women in Science (Ignotofsky) - Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meanwhile, use our LitLovers talking points to help start a discussion for Women in Science…then take off on your own:

1. Perhaps the best place to start any discussion for this book is to have each member of your group select a favorite scientist. Talk about her journey, as well as her work and its contribution to the field.

2. Discuss the number of women entering STEM jobs today—compared to men. Why have women historically been underrepresented in the sciences, and to what degree is that changing (you might do some research to gather the latest statistics)? Recall the famous (or infamous) Larry Summers remark in 2005: the then-president of Harvard attempted to explain science's gender gap by pointing to "issues of intrinsic aptitude." What do you think?

3. Follow-up to Question 2: What barriers did the women in Rachel Ignotofsky's book face? To what extent have those barriers changed in the 21st century? What did it take for women in previous eras to succeed in science; what did they give up to follow their passions? What does it take today?

4. Talk about Rachel Ignotofsky's use of art to open up science and make it more exciting. Do you find her book enlightening or inspirational? The book's target is primarily girls; to what extent is it also of value to adults?

5. How much did you know about the accomplishments of women in science before reading Ignotofsky's book? Were you aware, specifically, of any of them? Were some whom you know of left out? What surprised you most? Who surprised you most?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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