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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

Gender bias in the 1950s

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About this Activity

  1. Load Dr. Blodgett, reading in her office in Main Document Viewer
  2. Load "Make Way for a Lady!" Article on Katharine Burr Blodgett in Main Document Viewer
  3. Load "Make Way for a Lady!" Article on Katharine Burr Blodgett in Main Document Viewer
  4. Load "Make Way for a Lady!" Article on Katharine Burr Blodgett in Main Document Viewer
  5. Load At GE Research Lab: Her Work Vital to Defense. Dr. Katharine Blodgett's Tests Have Spurred Advance in Many Fields in Main Document Viewer
  6. Load Mistress of the Thin Films: Dr. Blodgett found a clue to the structure of matter. But she'd like to make better popovers in Main Document Viewer
  7. Load Mistress of the Thin Films: Dr. Blodgett found a clue to the structure of matter. But she'd like to make better popovers in Main Document Viewer
  8. Load Mistress of the Thin Films: Dr. Blodgett found a clue to the structure of matter. But she'd like to make better popovers in Main Document Viewer
  9. Load Mistress of the Thin Films: Dr. Blodgett found a clue to the structure of matter. But she'd like to make better popovers in Main Document Viewer
  10. Load Dr. Katharine Blodgett in her kitchen in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Title: Gender bias in the 1950s

Historical Background: Dr. Katherine Blodgett is one of the earliest and most succesful women in STEM. She did great things in her time with General Electric and paved a path for many women who wanted to embark in careers in STEM.

Compelling Question: 

  •  What expectations were there for professional women in the 1950s?

Staging the Question: (Anticipatory Set/Bell Ringer/Hook)

Begin by showing the image of Katherine Blodgett in her home office. Prompt the students to discover who she is and when she was alive. Conclude the introduction with the video on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/katharine-burr-blodgett-she-inspires-marl6o/ 

Standards/Skills: (Social Studies Framework Key Idea and Conceptual Understanding, Social Studies Practices, NextGen Literacy, CTS Thinking Skills)

8.4 WORLD WAR I AND THE ROARING TWENTIES: Various diplomatic, economic, and ideological factors contributed to the United States decision to enter World War I. Involvement in the war significantly altered the lives of Americans. Postwar America was characterized by economic prosperity, technological innovations, and changes in the workplace.
(Standards: 1, 2, 4; Themes: SOC, GOV, ECO, TECH)
8.4e After World War I, the United States entered a period of economic prosperity and cultural change. This period is known as the Roaring Twenties. During this time, new opportunities for women were gained, and African Americans engaged in various efforts to distinguish themselves and celebrate their culture.

Method of Delivery: 

Students should be informed on what a bias is and be familiar with the gender roles of women in the 1950s. If this is unfamiliar, a basic breakdown can be viewed here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/pill-mrs-america-womens-roles-1950s/ 

  • Split the class into small groups. Students should begin by viewing the four images, one at a time. 

  • Have a class discussion about the stations.

Station 1: Make Way For A Lady

Station 2: Mistress of the Thin Films - Dr. Blodgett Found a Clue to the Structure of Matter, But She’d Like to Make Better Popovers

Station 3: Dr. Katharine Blodgett places a rack of cups into the oven of her kitchen stove.

Station 4: Her Work Vital For Defense

  • Note: Most of the articles/images above focus on her gender and abilities in the kitchen. The article in station four has a bolded section about finding Blodgett’s entrance into engineering easier due to the time (during WWII)

Summative Performance Task: (Assessment of Student Learning)

  • Students will write a paragraph explaining the difficulties of professional women in 1950.

Taking Informed Action: (Civic Engagement)

How can businesses encourage women to be more involved in science?

RETURN TO RESULTS