Science Stars

Throughout history, Black inventors and scientists have made groundbreaking contributions that shaped our modern world. From life-saving inventions to advancements in space exploration, these pioneers inspire curiosity and innovation in young learners. Here are the stories of remarkable individuals with fun STEM activities to bring their achievements to life.

George Washington Carver

Known as the “Peanut Man,” George Washington Carver was a scientist and inventor who developed more than 300 products from peanuts, including peanut oil and paper. He also worked tirelessly to promote sustainable farming practices.

Activity Idea: Try extracting oil from peanuts at home! Crush roasted peanuts, wrap them in a paper towel and press down with a heavy object.

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison is a trailblazing astronaut, physician and engineer who became the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She also advocates for STEM education for young people.

Activity Idea: Create a rocket using a plastic bottle, baking soda and vinegar. Watch as the reaction powers your mini rocket into the sky.

Garrett Morgan

Garrett Morgan invented the three-position traffic signal, making roads safer for everyone. He also created a breathing device that became the prototype for modern gas masks.

Activity Idea: Design a traffic light model using colored paper, cardboard and a flashlight to understand how his invention manages traffic flow.

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were critical to NASA’s space missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing. Her work inspired the movie “Hidden Figures.”

Activity Idea: Practice plotting a spacecraft’s trajectory by creating a simple math problem involving angles and distances. Use paper and pencils to calculate the path, just like Johnson did.

Benjamin Banneker

A self-taught mathematician and astronomer, Benjamin Banneker built the first clock made entirely in America. He also published almanacs that included information on astronomy and weather patterns.

Activity Idea: Make a simple sundial with a paper plate and a pencil. Place it outside and track the shadows to tell time, just as Banneker did with his astronomical observations.

Lewis Latimer

Lewis Latimer worked with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell to improve the design of the light bulb and the telephone. His carbon filament innovation made light bulbs last longer and more practical for everyday use.

Activity Idea: Create a simple circuit with a battery, wires and a small bulb to understand how electricity powers light, inspired by Latimer’s work.

-Rebecca Hastings