Every March, I find myself looking for ways to make Women's History Month meaningful without adding another major project to an already packed schedule. Between lesson planning, grading, and everything else on our plates, it can be challenging to find time to intentionally highlight the women who have shaped our world. One of my favorite approaches is to incorporate short research activities throughout Women's History Month. Whether our students spend a few minutes learning about a new historical figure each week or complete a larger research project, exploring the lives of influential women helps our students better understand the impact women have made in history, science, literature, athletics, politics, and beyond.
Why Research Projects Work Well During Women's History Month
Research projects allow our students to move beyond simply memorizing names and dates. As our students learn about influential women, they begin to see the determination, creativity, leadership, and perseverance that helped these individuals overcome challenges and make lasting contributions to society.
Don't feel like you need to turn Women's History Month into a month-long unit. One of the easiest approaches is to introduce one woman each day or week using a short research activity. You can have your students work independently or with a partner to learn about her background, accomplishments, an important quote, and why her contributions still matter today. Then, invite a few of your students to share what they learned before moving into your regular lesson. In just a few minutes each class period, you'll expose your students to dozens of influential women from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers.
If you are looking for ideas, here are some remarkable women your students can research during Women's History Month.
Women Athletes to Research During Women's History Month
Athletes often provide our students with inspiring examples of perseverance, discipline, and determination. These women broke records, challenged expectations, and changed the world of sports.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Throughout her career, she won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and inspired countless young athletes through her talent, confidence, and dedication to excellence.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles has transformed the sport of gymnastics with her extraordinary athletic ability. She has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals while also becoming an advocate for mental health and athlete well-being.
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm helped popularize women's soccer in the United States and inspired a generation of young athletes. Her success on the international stage helped bring greater attention and support to women's sports.
Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood illnesses, including polio, to become an Olympic champion. Her story of perseverance continues to inspire our students today.
Nadia Comăneci
Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci became the first gymnast in Olympic history to earn a perfect score of 10. Her performance at the 1976 Olympics changed the sport forever.
Cathy Freeman
Australian sprinter Cathy Freeman became an international symbol of athletic excellence and Indigenous pride. Her gold medal performance at the 2000 Sydney Olympics remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history.
Political Leaders and Activists
These women used their voices and leadership abilities to challenge injustice, influence government, and improve the lives of others.
Rosa Parks
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Rosa Parks became a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Her courage helped inspire significant social change in the United States.
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is an advocate for girls' education around the world. After surviving an attack for speaking out about educational opportunities for girls, she became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg served on the United States Supreme Court and spent much of her career advocating for equal rights. Her work helped shape important legal decisions regarding gender equality.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She later became the first Black woman to seek a major party's nomination for president.
Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino became the first female president of the Philippines. Her leadership helped restore democracy following a period of political unrest.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as Africa's first elected female head of state when she became president of Liberia. She is recognized for her leadership and efforts to rebuild her country following civil conflict.
Scientists and Innovators to Research During Women's History Month
These women changed the way we understand science, medicine, technology, and the world around us.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie pioneered research on radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields.
Katherine Johnson
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Katherine Johnson's mathematical calculations played a critical role in NASA's early space missions. Her work helped astronauts safely travel to and from space.
Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall revolutionized the study of chimpanzees through her field research in Tanzania. Her observations changed how scientists understand animal behavior.
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space. Her accomplishments inspire our students interested in science and exploration.
Chien-Shiung Wu
Known as the "First Lady of Physics," Chien-Shiung Wu made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics. Her research challenged scientific assumptions and advanced our understanding of the physical world.
Authors and Poets
These writers used words to tell stories, challenge perspectives, and inspire readers around the world.
Maya Angelou
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Maya Angelou was an award-winning poet, author, and civil rights activist. Her writing continues to inspire readers through its themes of resilience, identity, and hope.
Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her novels explore history, culture, and the human experience.
Sandra Cisneros
Sandra Cisneros is celebrated for giving voice to diverse experiences through her writing. Her work often explores family, identity, and culture.
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman gained international recognition after reciting her poetry at a presidential inauguration. She inspires our students through her writing and advocacy.
Isabel Allende
Chilean author Isabel Allende has written bestselling novels that blend history, family stories, and powerful female characters. Her books have been translated into numerous languages.
Musicians and Performers
Music and performance have long served as powerful forms of expression. These women have influenced culture through their talent and creativity.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé is one of the most influential performers of her generation. Her music and philanthropic efforts have had an impact on culture.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is known for her music and also for her dedication to literacy and education initiatives. Her Imagination Library program has provided millions of books to children.
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald helped shape the world of jazz with her voice and innovative style. She remains one of the most celebrated singers in music history.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has become one of the most successful songwriters and performers of her generation. Her career demonstrates the power of creativity, adaptability, and perseverance.
Aretha Franklin
Known as the "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin's music influenced generations of artists. She also played an important role in supporting the Civil Rights Movement.
Artists to Research During Women's History Month
These women used visual arts, dance, and creativity to express ideas and challenge traditional expectations.
Frida Kahlo
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Frida Kahlo is known for her distinctive self-portraits and personal artwork. Her work continues to inspire artists around the world.
Georgia O'Keeffe
Georgia O'Keeffe became one of America's most influential painters. Her unique artistic style helped redefine modern art.
Misty Copeland
Misty Copeland became the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. Her achievements opened doors for future generations of dancers.
Faith Ringgold
Faith Ringgold combines storytelling and visual art through her famous story quilts. Her work often explores themes of history, identity, and social justice.
Judy Chicago
Judy Chicago is known for creating artwork that highlights women's contributions throughout history. Her projects continue to spark important conversations about representation.
Businesswomen and Entrepreneurs
These women built successful businesses, broke barriers, and demonstrated innovative leadership.
Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker became one of the first self-made female millionaires in the United States. She built a successful business while creating opportunities for other women.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey transformed the media industry through her television career, production company, and philanthropy.
Indra Nooyi
Indra Nooyi served as CEO of PepsiCo and became one of the most respected business leaders in the world. She is often recognized for her innovative leadership style.
Women in STEM and Technology to Research During Women's History Month
Innovation and technology have been shaped by countless women whose contributions are sometimes overlooked.
Ada Lovelace
Ada Lovelace is often considered the world's first computer programmer. Her ideas helped lay the foundation for modern computing.
Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper was a computer scientist. She served as a United States Navy officer who helped develop early programming languages.
Radia Perlman
Radia Perlman developed technology that helped improve the functioning of computer networks. She is often called the "Mother of the Internet."
Fei-Fei Li
Fei-Fei Li is a leading researcher in artificial intelligence and computer vision. Her work has helped advance modern AI technologies.
Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code, an organization that encourages girls to pursue careers in technology. Her work has helped expand opportunities in STEM education.
Humanitarian and Social Change Leaders
These women dedicated their lives to improving communities and addressing important global challenges.
Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. She became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Her work connected environmental conservation with community empowerment.
Dolores Huerta
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Dolores Huerta has spent decades advocating for workers' rights and social justice. Her activism helped improve conditions for agricultural workers.
Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg became an international voice for climate action while still a teenager. Her advocacy has inspired people around the world to become involved in environmental issues.
Melinda French Gates
Melinda French Gates is known for her philanthropic work focused on education, health, and opportunities for women and girls around the world.
Leymah Gbowee
Leymah Gbowee helped lead a women's peace movement that contributed to ending Liberia's civil war. Her leadership demonstrates the power of collective action and peaceful advocacy.
Women's History Month Spotlight Student Page
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Bringing Women's History Month to Life in Your Classroom
Women's History Month provides an excellent opportunity to introduce our students to women whose achievements shaped history and continue to influence the world today. Whether your students are interested in athletics, science, politics, literature, technology, business, or the arts, there are countless inspiring stories waiting to be discovered.
Save for Later
Be sure to save this post to your favorite teaching or social studies Pinterest board so you'll have dozens of research ideas ready when March arrives. Having a list of influential women from a variety of backgrounds and career fields makes it easy to incorporate meaningful Women's History Month activities into your classroom all month.
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