If you asked your students to name a Black Mathematician, could they?

There is a serious issue happening in our students from underrepresented groups… they don’t see themselves as mathematicians. I believe that is due in part to the fact that we don’t teach them about mathematicians that look like them. I mean, do we even teach about mathematicians?
So, I’m on a mission to ensure my students find role models in math, people that can inspire them to think critically and set goals to reach high in math.

So, we are going to start with 7 powerhouse Black Mathematicians. One that is a football player, another that loves to tinker from an early age, and another that invented water gun. These mathematicians’ stories broke glass ceilings of gaining the first PhD in mathematics, worked on space ships, and trail blazed at NASA. Find out all about each of them here!

Why teach Black History Figures?

If you’re here you likely already believe that teaching & celebrating Black History is important. Maybe you’re wondering why your students need to know about these Black Leaders in math.

First, Black History is OUR history. Black History should be taught in all subjects and in all parts of the day. Add in an extra recognition and celebration in February.

Second, celebrate Black Greatness and Excellence as part of teaching Black History. I believe that looks like sharing influential and inspiring leaders from all professions and disciples. Too often our students don’t see themselves represented in the STEM field.

It is my goal that my students both see themselves and people that are different than them represented in all the parts of my class. So, I incorporate Black History Figures from the field of math into our celebrations and studies.

What is a Mathematician?

Have you asked them what they think a mathematician looks like? In my experience, students often don’t have a clear definition for what a mathematician is or even a vision of what they look like.

Here’s what I do: (you can read more about this lesson here)
I ask students to reflect on what they think a mathematician is by drawing a picture (see photo above). Then we start to make a list or web of all the things we think a mathematician does. At some point we arrive at the fact that WE ARE ALL mathematicians and add the things we do in class to the web. We go back to our drawings and add pictures of ourselves.
After this lesson we start getting to know mathematicians by reading their inspiring words through these quote posters.

Why teach Black History Figures in Math?

You see, I don’t just teach math. I teach little people. I’m on a mission to ensure those little people leave my class not only as mathematicians, but as good people. I want my students to live in a world, to MAKE A WORLD, where every person is represented. So, in math we all belong… and one way I create that sense of belonging is being sure to include texts, tasks, and quotes that represent all folks.

How can you teach Black History Figures in Math?

I have 3 suggestions for how you can teach and celebrate Black History Leaders this month and hopefully all year.

#1 Start your Class with a Black History Figure’s Quote

I use these slides to start every math class. These reflection quote slides provide opportunities for my students to reflect on Black History Figure’s inspiring words. Through these reflections students start to develop their math identity. I believe that if we are not teaching students the character traits and mindsets to do the work of the real world, then we aren’t preparing them. I have witnessed in my own classroom the power of taking time to reflect, discuss, and goal set. So, I suggest investing the time to allow students to reflect and in turn gain so many valuable experiences and skills.

#2 Black Leaders in History Biography Project 

Create a biography project that allows your students to synthesize the information from their research a Black History Leader in Math. Ask students to start their research by reading one of these biographies (found here). The accompanying graphic organizers can help students gather information to use in the creation of their final product.  Students could find an online source and read additional texts to support these articles. I like to have my students think about which Black Leader in math inspired and empowered them with this project. Then, have students share their completed biography project in a sharing party where students present their Black History Figure and learn from one another.

#3 Use the Book “Women Who Count: Honoring African American Women Mathematicians”

This book is a treasure trove of information and fun activities that help students connect to female Black History Leaders in math. If your students are studying Black Mathematicians this is a must have book. It is a great companion to these mini book or one page close reading biographies. You’ll find the word searches, puzzles, and games a fun addition to the biographies inside the book. I discovered many new women mathematicians while reading this book. Be sure to get a copy because I have a feeling it will be one you’ll reach for often.

Check out this blog post for more information about helping your students feel seen & represented in math class.

Want to know more about how you can create a math classroom where students are empowered to love and understand math? You need the Guide to Engaging Math Discussions Grab it for free right here. 

The post Black History Figures that Empower Math Students appeared first on Mona Math.

This year which Black History Month people will you be teaching your students about? For me, I try to incorporate in Black History Month people that my students might not know. This helps broaden their perspectives. In addition, I want to incorporate people from STEM fields, especially women. I have found that the follow four women in particular stand out for their accomplishments in Mathematics.

I hope you can find out a bit about each of these 7 people and decide to incorporate their legacy and words into your math classroom. I walk you through how I incorporate these inspiring mathematicians into my math classroom in this blog post. 

Black History Month People in Math: 

Christine Darden

One of the first people I’m going to introduce my students to is Christine Darden, a mathematician and engineer. Christine Darden worked at NASA as a computer engineer with a A passion to fight for equal rights. Your students will be excited to read about her contributions to things like the sonic boom team and designing aircraft.  Christine Darden is a Black History Month leader your students need to know. Mini books are available here. 

Raye Montague

Another Black History Month leader I’ll be introducing to my student is Raye Montague. Montague joined the Navy in 1956 and made a career out of Designing submarines and ships for the Navy. her award-winning career and Legacy is one all children should know.

These quote reflection slides are available on my Teachers Pay Teachers shop here. 

If you’d like to know more about how I use quotes in my classroom read about it here.

Euphemia Haynes

Euphemia Haynes was the first African American to earn her PhD in mathematics. Her early accomplishments in the math field are paramount  in trail blazing for women who came after her. Be sure your students know about Euphemia Haynes during Black History Month. 

Mary Jackson

Mary Jackson worked  as a mathematician and engineer at NASA. Mary had a passion for social justice through mentoring and outreach to the children in her community. It is essential your students know Mary Jackson as a Black History Month leader to learn from.

Lonnie Johnson 

As a mathematician and engineer Lonnie Johnson is best known for his invention of the Super Soaker water gun. However, his contributions started in the United States Air Force with work on space craft and air craft. Lonnie Johnson was fond of tinkering and persevering to solve complex problems.  Biographies for the 3 male mathematicians can be found in 1 page articles here & mini books here. 

John Urschel 

John Urschel is a shining example of how one’s identity is comprised of many elements. Among other things, Urschel is both a NFL football player and a mathematician. John Urshcel played for the NFL for 3 seasons, only to retire to go back to school to get his doctorate degree in mathematics. He’s definitely my favorite mathematician to share with my students!! 

Grab this one page biography of John Urschel here. It comes with a lesson plan & graphic organizers for close reading.

David Blackwell

David Blackwell is an African American statistician. Blackwell’s love for math started in high school and he graduated from college with three degrees by the time he was 22 years old. David Blackwell is a statistician- meaning he gathers data, summarizes it and then decided what it means. This helps us with understanding lots of different things in the world like– how many people watch a tv show on Netflix or which toys will be the best sellers for the holiday season. 

The quote posters can be found here.

When Considering Black History People to teach…

I hope you consider adding Black Women Mathematicians to your plans. These women in the STEM fields bring a perspective to our children that demonstrate ways to persevere to meet challenging goals.

Even more ideas for Celebrating Black History Month

This blog post gives 5 great ways to celebrate Black History Month. 

Additionally, here are 3 ways I love to use quotes in my classroom to teach Black History. 

Check out this article on MiddleWeb.com about engaging and empowering our students with Black History Leaders.

The post Black History Month People in Math appeared first on Mona Math.

Warm Up Activity

Virtually or in-person I often start my classes with a black history quote. If not a black history quote, then I will use a quote from a woman, person of color, or other relevant voice. I purposefully amplify the voices of those my students may not hear from without this opportunity.

First, I start with displaying the quote and a prompt. Then, I ask students to work independently to reflect on the quote. I may also ask them to cite evidence from the quote to support their reflections or to respond to several prompts.

Also, I like to use the same quote for the several days. This allows us to go dive deeply into the quote and reflect on it from several angles.In addition to reflection the quotes are designed to help students build social emotional skills. For example, the quotes chosen focus on overcoming challenges, seeking help, and asking questions. 

Lastly, I like to have students talk about their reflections after the warm up reflection. 
If this is a routine you would like to incorporate into your classroom you can purchase the quote slides for reflection on TeachersPayTeachers right here.

Black History Quotes as Discussion Pre Work

I also like to use these Black History quotes as a way for students to prepare to have a discussion about a Black History Figures. 

I use a quote from the Black history figure to help students activate their scheme and reflect on the person’s words before we start to discuss. This allows students time to reflect and consider any connects they have to the person and their story. 

Also, using quotes is a digestible amount of text to access. A small/short text allows all kids access to the text and focus on the reflection.
If you would like to purchase the quote posters to display for a lesson or on the walls of your classroom you can buy them here.

Introduce a Longer Black History Text

I use Black History quotes to help me introduce a longer text. The quote is a way for students to start to get to know the Black history leader. I will use the Black History quote as a warm up the day we plan to read a biography about that person.

I like to use biographies with all grade levels. For primary I use these mini foldable books that are just 3 pages of text, the perfect amount for 1st-3rd graders. We also use the graphic organizer (included) to reflect on each mathematician we learn about. It allows us to compare and contrast their experiences & perspectives.

I have a set of mini books along with a graphic organizer on TeachersPayTeachers.com. These are ready to use today with your class! Male Mathematician Pack or Female Mathematician Pack

For my 4th -8th grades I like to use these 1 page biographies. These biographies help students learn about the Black History leaders in mathematics. Each one covers the perspectives, life experience and accomplishments of the mathematician. My upper elementary and middle school students often use the close reading protocol questions to reflect on their learning. They also use the graphic organizer included to summarize the information they learned and create their own book of Black History Leaders in mathematics.

These are available in: a male mathematicians pack or the female mathematician pack!

View all of my Black History Month classroom resources here!

Check out my other blog posts of how I use discussion in my classroom! And before you host any conversation about Black History, or really any conversation, in your classroom be sure to establish clear norms with your students. Find out more about Norms in my classroom right here.

More Ways to Celebrate Black History Month

Follow the link above to check out what my friend, Jocelyn suggests for celebrating Black History Month! 

The post 3 Ways to Use Black History Quotes in Your Class appeared first on Mona Math.