Science & Innovation

Women have always played a foundational role in science, technology, engineering, and math—from biologists protecting endangered species to astronomers mapping the universe to the "hidden figures" who solved mathematical equations for space flight.

Green book cover and white text reading "SILENT SPRING." Read the Story Behind This Object Rachel Carson

Margaret Weitekamp, a curator of space history at the National Air and Space Museum, talks about Sally Ride's role as the first American woman in space, and how her leadership changed the perception of women in science.

Collection Objects

Learn the stories of these women or explore more collections related to women in science. 

Blue stamp with a sepia photo of Barbara McClintock on it. The stamp also features a scientific drawing of her work on transposons and the words Barbara McClintock Geneticist.
Collection Item
Barbara McClintock
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Collection Item
Hedy Lamarr
Leather nametag with gold NASA logo and the name Mae Jemison.
Collection Item
Mae Jemison's Space Suit Name Tag
Ruby Hirose sits at a lab station. She wears a white lab coat and holds a pipette.
Collection Item
Ruby Hirose
Scientific illustration of Arthrostylidium sarmentosum, a bamboo.
Collection Item
Agnes Chase's Scientific Illustration
This artifact is a Development Test Model (DTM) for the Voyager spacecraft.
Collection Item
The Women of Voyager

Conversation Kit

Let's Talk! Bessie Coleman: Community Innovator Conversation Kit

Grades 6–8. Time: Variable (1–2 class periods). Aligned with C3 standards.

In this conversation guide, students will learn about pilot Bessie Coleman, an innovator who sought to create change for her community.  In exploring her story as the first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn a pilots license, students will examine the question: How do we bring change to our community?

Smithsonian American Women book cover.

Smithsonian American Women

Remarkable objects and stories of strength, ingenuity, and vision from the National Collection.

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