Celebrating Science and Scientists: Honoring Women, Girls, and the Wonders of Discovery

February is a month to celebrate the incredible contributions of scientists and inspire young minds to explore the wonders of science. Two significant days this month shine a spotlight on science and those who devote their lives to discovery:

February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science - A day to honor the achievements of women and girls in science and encourage gender equality in STEM fields.

February 28: National Science Day - A celebration of science, its impact on our world, and the brilliant minds behind groundbreaking discoveries.

Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about scientists, explore inspiring stories, and spark curiosity in children about the endless possibilities of science.

Scientists are explorers of knowledge, using experiments, observations, and research to help us understand the world and improve our lives. From studying the stars to uncovering the secrets of the human body, scientists work in many fields, such as:

Astronomy: Exploring planets, stars, and galaxies.

Biology: Studying living things like plants, animals, and humans.

Chemistry: Investigating substances, reactions, and the building blocks of matter.

Earth Science: Learning about our planet, weather, and ecosystems.

Engineering: Creating solutions to everyday problems using science and technology.

Introduce kids to the world of science with these inspiring books:

"Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty - Follow Ada, a curious young scientist, as she investigates questions about the world around her.

"Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty - An inspiring story about a girl who uses engineering to solve problems, even when her inventions don’t go as planned.

"Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race" by Margot Lee Shetterly - Discover the incredible true story of the women mathematicians who helped NASA launch astronauts into space.

"Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams)" by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara - A beautifully illustrated biography of the famous scientist and her groundbreaking work with radioactivity.

"What is Science?" by Rebecca Kai Dotlich - A simple introduction to the wonders of science, perfect for sparking curiosity in young readers.

To bring the world of science to life for young learners, I’ve created a Scientist Fact Booklet that’s packed with engaging activities and information. This resource includes: An Informational Booklet: A kid-friendly, black-and-white nonfiction booklet about different types of scientists, the tools they use, and the places they work.

It includes a worksheet for note-taking and two choices of research forms to help kids explore what scientists do.

There are two fun crafts to encourage kids to think like scientists!

This resource is ideal for celebrating these special science days and encouraging students to see themselves as future scientists.

Science isn’t just about facts and experiments—it’s about curiosity, creativity, and the courage to ask big questions. Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of the importance of diversity in STEM fields, while National Science Day highlights the transformative power of scientific discoveries.

With these celebrations, books, and engaging activities, we can inspire the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate these science days with your kids or students? Again don't forget to check out my Scientist Fact Booklet for young children, and let’s spark a love of learning and discovery together!

 How do you inspire young scientists?My product may be been found in my store: 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher?search=Black+History  

Rosa Parks: A Legacy of Courage and Change

February is a time to celebrate heroes, and one of the most inspiring figures in history is Rosa Parks. Known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks' bravery and quiet strength changed the course of history and taught us the importance of standing up for equality and justice.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was born on February 4, 1913, in Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up in the segregated South, Rosa experienced the injustice of racial inequality firsthand. Despite these challenges, she was deeply committed to fighting for fairness and equality.

Her most famous act of courage happened on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama. Rosa refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger, as was required by law at the time. Her quiet defiance led to her arrest but also ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks continued to advocate for civil rights throughout her life, reminding us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

Rosa Parks had many accomplishments to celebrate.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott: Her brave stand inspired a year-long bus boycott, which eventually led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional.

In her Civil Rights Legacy, Rosa Parks worked alongside civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and became a symbol of the fight for justice.

Honors and Awards included Rosa receiving numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Teaching young children about Rosa Parks is a wonderful way to inspire them to think about fairness, bravery, and making a difference. Here are some excellent books to share:

"I Am Rosa Parks" by Brad Meltzer. 

This engaging picture book introduces Rosa Parks’ story in a way that’s relatable and inspiring for young readers.

"Rosa" by Nikki Giovanni

A beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of Rosa’s bravery and the events surrounding the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

"Who Was Rosa Parks?" by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Part of the popular "Who Was?" series, this book provides a more detailed look at Rosa Parks' life and legacy.

"The Story of Rosa Parks" by Patricia A. Pingry

Perfect for younger children, this book simplifies Rosa’s story into an easy-to-understand narrative.

Rosa Parks matters today! Rosa Parks’ story is more than just history—it’s a lesson in courage, determination, and the power of standing up for what’s right. By sharing her story with children, we not only honor her legacy but also inspire the next generation to build a more just and equitable world.

To help young learners dive deeper into Rosa Parks' incredible story, I’ve created a Rosa Parks Fact Booklet designed especially for children. This resource includes: Check out my Rosa Parks Fact Booklet to bring her story to life for your young learners this February!

 What’s your favorite way to teach kids about Rosa Parks? 

February 2025 Products

February offers a wonderful opportunity to engage young students through hands-on activities while celebrating various special days. By incorporating these celebrations into your curriculum, you can create a dynamic and effective learning environment. There are many holidays and special days in February, like Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and Groundhog Day. Let’s make February a month filled with joy and learning by adding other special events like celebrating hedgehogs, President’s Day, Rosa Parks, and Kindness Week. 

Get ready to start the month by celebrating hedgehogs on February 2nd. This lesser-known special day provides a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of hedgehogs. Hedgehog Day tends to live in the shadow of Groundhog Day, but it explores the origin of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day originated as Hedgehog Day, based on a Roman myth that if a hedgehog sees its shadow, there will be another six weeks of cold weather. 

Hedgehogs are lovable creatures despite being covered in spines. They are native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and New Zealand. In the US, domesticated African pygmy hedgehogs are kept as pets. There are many fascinating myths and stories about hedgehogs. In ancient Egypt, hedgehogs were used as remedies for baldness. Due to their hibernation, they were a symbol of regeneration. So, you can link this booklet to a study about animals that hibernate during the winter months. 

Rosa Parks was born on the 4th of February 1913 in Alabama, US. Her impact on the Civil Rights Movement is celebrated every year on her birthday. Let inspirational Rosa Parks quotes serve as a reminder to always fight for what’s right, for example,  “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right”, and a quote from her 77th birthday, “I would like to be known as a person who is concerned about freedom and equality and justice and prosperity for all people.” 

Celebrate President's Day, which this year is on Monday, February 17, using a bundle with five engaging resources. The holiday originally marked George Washington’s birthday on February 22, but it is now a day to honor all US presidents.

Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated from February 14 to February 20, with Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17. It is a way to celebrate our small acts that can make a difference, such as playing with someone at break time. The week celebrates kindness and encourages people to spread positivity and kindness worldwide. 

Learning about scientists and what they do is a great project towards the end of the month. Science is based on curiosity, young children are naturally inquisitive. We should take advantage of this curiosity and encourage them to learn about scientists and scientific discoveries as early as possible.

Mardi Gras is celebrated on March 4th, 2025. The date changes each year, and the only certain thing is that it is celebrated on Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French. You can start the carnival in your classroom on Monday—Lundi Mardi (lundi means Monday). This is a great way to learn the weeks of the day in French.

Masking is a tradition during Mardi Gras. Masks were first worn to escape society and class constraints, but nowadays, people wear masks during the Carnival because they look great. The fact booklet contains a template for making a Mardi Gras mask. Use the How to Draw resource to boost drawing confidence and integrate “Mardi Gras” themed learning with writing and art.

Wishing you a February of Positivity and Wonderful Learning! 

All resources may be found in my store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher