Women and equal rights

Objective: This worksheet highlights the historical and current situation of women's rights and equality. It addresses discrimination and injustices faced by women, particularly in science and research, and encourages reflection on the importance of equality in today's society.

Content and methods: The worksheet begins with a general introduction to the relevance of women's rights and the historical disregard for female achievements. An audio file provides insights into the current situation regarding equality in a selected country. Multiple-choice questions test students' understanding of these current issues. At the heart of the worksheet are three case studies of female scientists (Lise Meitner, Rosalind Franklin, Jocelyn Bell Burnell) who did not receive the recognition they deserved despite their groundbreaking discoveries. Texts written in the first person describe their experiences with ignorance and discrimination. A writing assignment asks students to describe the similarities between these injustices and draw parallels to their own lives or school, as well as to suggest possible courses of action. An additional assignment with a video explores the topic of equality in Germany in greater depth, including the role of the Basic Law and important milestones.

Skills:

Historical awareness: Students recognize historical inequalities and discrimination against women, especially in science.
Critical thinking: They analyze the causes of injustices and reflect on their impact on individual careers and social structures.
Empathy and perspective change: Through the reports of female scientists and the audio file, they gain insight into the experiences of women.
Transfer and problem solving: They apply historical injustices to current contexts and develop their own strategies for promoting equality.

Target group and level: 7th/8th grade

62 other teachers use this template

Target group and level

7th-8th grade

Subjects

HistoryEthicsPoliticsPhilosophynon-subject specific content

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Women and equal rights

Info

Women’s rights and equality matter now more than ever. But did you know that throughout history, many women made groundbreaking scientific discoveries yet never received the recognition they deserved—simply because they were women?

In this worksheet, we’ll explore these overlooked pioneers, the challenges they faced, and the biases that may still exist today. Get ready for inspiring stories of courageous women who achieved greatness against all odds!

At the beginning, you will learn more about the current situation of equal rights by listening to a girl talk about her life.

📋 Work assignment

Listen to the audio file and then answer the questions.

--:--

📋 Choose the correct answer.

Lisa Meitner, Rosalind Franklin and Jocelyn Bell Burnell will now tell you about their lives and the obstacles they faced.

📋 Work assignment

Read the texts and then answer the questions.

Lise Meitner

I am Lise Meitner, a physicist who co-discovered nuclear fission. Despite my pivotal role, Otto Hahn alone received the Nobel Prize. As a Jewish woman, I faced immense prejudice and was forced to flee Nazi Germany. My contributions were overshadowed by my male colleagues, leading to a lack of recognition during my lifetime. However, today, my achievements are acknowledged, and awards and institutions bear my name.

Lise Meitner, born in 1878, was a physicist who co-discovered nuclear fission but was overshadowed by her male colleague, Otto Hahn. She faced prejudice as a Jewish woman, which affected her recognition. Today, her contributions are acknowledged.

Rosalind Franklin

I am Rosalind Franklin, known for my work on the structure of DNA. My photograph 51 was crucial in identifying the double helix, but Watson and Crick took credit. As a woman in science, I faced sexism and was not acknowledged for my contributions during my life. I died young, at 37, but today, my work is celebrated, and many institutions and awards honor my name.

Rosalind Franklin, born in 1920, played a critical role in discovering the DNA structure. Despite her pivotal photo 51, Watson and Crick received credit. She faced sexism and died young. Today, her contributions are celebrated.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell

I am Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered pulsars. Despite my discovery, my supervisor Antony Hewish received the Nobel Prize. As a woman in astrophysics, my contributions were initially overlooked. This lack of recognition affected my career, but I continued to work passionately. Today, my achievements are recognized, and I have received numerous prestigious awards.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell, born in 1943, discovered pulsars, but her supervisor got the Nobel Prize. Initially overlooked due to gender bias, she continued her work and is now widely recognized and honored.

📋 Answer the questions using the role cards.

📋 Additional task

Watch the video to learn more about the lack of equality between women and men. Then, answer the questions.