Ada Lovelace Day - Women in STEM

• New lesson editor
• PSHE
• LessonUp
• +4
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Introduction

This lesson focusses on one of the lesser-known heroes in STEM, Ada Lovelace. your students will learn the story of this computing heroine and explore why focussing on women in STEM is an important area of focus for the developing gender norms for the UK.

Instructions

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Who is Ada Lovelace?

Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace (1815–1852), was an English mathematician and writer widely regarded as the first computer programmer. She is primarily known for her work on Charles Babbage's ‘Analytical Engine’, where she wrote the first algorithm intended for processing by a machine.

Her visionary ideas laid the foundations for modern computing. Sadly, her contributions went largely unrecognised during her lifetime.

Why the focus on women?

Focusing on women in STEM is vital because it closes the gender gap in fields critical for innovation and economic growth, leading to more equal societies and new, diverse perspectives in problem-solving.

This focus promotes gender equity by empowering women, increases overall workforce productivity and value, and provides essential diverse talent needed to tackle global challenges like the climate crisis.

What is STEM?

Each letter stands for a subject

you would learn in school.

Can you guess what they are?

What does the 'S' stand for in STEM?

A

Science

B

Sports

C

School

D

Social Studies

What does the 'T' stand for in STEM?

A

Teaching

B

Tutoring

C

Technology

D

Training

What does the 'E' stand for in STEM?

A

English

B

Engineering

C

Early Years

D

Electrical

What does the 'M' stand for in STEM?

A

Memorising

B

Making

C

Mandibles

D

Mathematics

SCIENCE

Science lets us be curious about the world around us. We can explore our questions about how and why things happen through science.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology lets us use our knowledge to discover new tools and devices.

ENGINEERING

Engineers design and create everything from buildings to computer apps. They want to know how and why things work.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, and logic. We use it every day, in activities such as baking.

How did the story of Ada's life make you feel? Why?

If you could pick any area of work to get into, what would it be?

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