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This case study details the historical discovery of the structure of DNA. Images of this key molecule are as iconic as those of the Mona Lisa, and identifying its structure has proven to be as intriguing a mystery for scientists as the reason behind Mona Lisa's smile has been for art historians. The case is woven together by a series of fictional diary entries that detail the history of the discovery of DNA's structure, the major players involved, their ethical dilemmas, and the role of women in science. The case is designed for a high school course or introductory undergraduate genetics/ biochemistry courses. It can also be used as an interdisciplinary case study bridging genetics, bioethics, art, and the status of women in science. Designed as an interrupted case, it may be used in its entirety or in parts that pertain to a particular topic or discipline. No prior knowledge of genetics is required.

For centuries, women have studied and made groundbreaking discoveries in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Encourage your girls and boys to appreciate the contributions of women scientists. With our seven ideas, learn about some outstanding women from the history of STEM innovation and inspire your kids' scientific explorations - indoors and outdoors.

This case study is designed to help students learn about the ecosystem services of Earth (Biosphere 1) by examining the challenges faced by the designers who tried to replicate its components in Biosphere 2. In 1991, four men and four women entered Biosphere 2, a man-made closed ecological system in Arizona, to see if eight biospherians could be sustained by this miniature version of Biosphere 1. The project succeeded in producing most of the food needed, but required additional oxygen before the end of the two-year experiment. After an introduction to Biosphere 2, students learn about the four main types of ecosystem services and discuss how Biosphere 2 might provide these services. At the end of the case, students calculate their own ecological footprint, demonstrating how humans are overreaching the ecosystem services of Biosphere 1, just as the biospherians could not be sustained by the ecosystem services included in Biosphere 2. The case is suitable for an introductory undergraduate course in biology, ecology, or environmental science.

video clips of diverse women scientists and STEM role models  3700 video clips from 160 inspiring women - biochemists, biomedical researchers, chemists, forensic scientists, geneticists, genomic sciences, geologists, icthylogists, meterologists, oceanographers

Researchers have long known that women whose families include fraternal twins are more likely to give birth to twins themselves, and they're finally starting to figure out why. After scanning data from nearly 2000 mothers of fraternal twins, scientists from eight countries found two genes that increase a woman's chance of having twins-one that affects hormone levels and another that may alter how ovaries respond to them. The second of these may also have implications for why some women respond better than others to in vitro fertilization.

Video series highlighting women in STEM

Girls are less likely than boys to think that women have genius potential, a new study finds. And that stereotype can show up in kids as young as six.

brief bios of under recognized female scientists