Black History Month Project for Science: Periodic Table of Black Excellence

Engage your students in learning about the contributions of Black scientists throughout history with a creative research project! I developed this project after my Black students expressed disappointment and frustration that they were either not learning about Black History Month or they were learning about the same 3 people each year. Many Black students struggle to see themselves as scientists in the future, and this project provides an engaging opportunity to talk about Black history in science classes while also inspiring students to see themselves as scientists.

This STEAM-inspired project allows students to use visual arts to create a periodic table of Black scientists while researching their contributions to chemistry, physics, medicine, and engineering. Students can work independently or with groups in order to research, present, and express their artistic side while learning about Black history. At the end of the project, students' posters can be combined to create a "Periodic Table of Black Excellence" which can be displayed in your school in honor of Black History Month.

Includes:

-Directions for students

-Template for biographical research

-Rubric for grading projects

-List of Black scientists with a brief description of their accomplishments to inspire students

-Example Poster