Distinguished African American Scientists of the 20th Century

by James H. Kessler, J. S. Kidd, Renee A. Kidd, Katherine A. Morin

Overview

From George Washington Carver to Dr. Mae Jemison, African Americans have been making outstanding contributions in the field of science. This unique resource goes beyond the headlines in chronicling not just the scientific achievements but also the lives of 100 remarkable men and women. Each biography provides an absorbing account of the scientist's struggles, which often included overcoming prejudice, as they pursued their educational and professional goals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897749558
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/08/1996
Series:	Distinguished African Americans Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.88(d)
Lexile:	1150L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 12 Years

About the Author

JAMES H. KESSLER is a science teacher. He is the author/editor of Wonder Science, a monthly publication of the American Chemical Society describing hands-on science projects in physics, chemistry and biology for elementary school students. He recently completed two video presentations on the contributions of Africans and African Americans to world science, which have been well received by parents and teacher groups throughout the U.S.

J.S. KIDD is Professor Emeritus, College of Library and Information Services, University of Maryland, College Park. He is a specialist in science communication and has worked as a chemist and systems analyst in government and private industry. Kidd currently works part-time for the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

RENEE A. KIDD is a historian and reading specialist. She has more than 35 years experience teaching reading at the elementary and middle school levels. She received bachelors degrees in science and in reading from Illinois Wesleyan, Bloomington, Illinois, a master's degree in reading from Loyola University, Baltimore, MD, and a master's degree in history from the University of Maryland.

KATHERINE A. MORIN is a high school history teacher at the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. She worked for several years on the editorial staff of the Samuel Gompers Papers Project at the University of Maryland where she received her master's in history.

Table of Contents

Preface viiProfiles 1Appendix 1: Chronological List of Scientists 359Appendix 2: Scientists Arranged by Research Area 361Index 363

Editorial Reviews

One hundred famous and not-so-famous African American scientists (both living and dead) are covered in this biographical reference, intended for middle school through community college levels. Men and women accomplished in anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, mathematics, medicine, and physics are included. Those profiled include lesser-known scientists such as Christine Darden (an engineer with NASA) as well as the better known, e.g., George Washington Carver. All serve as excellent role models and reveal "some of the real costs and benefits associated with the pursuit of a career in scientific research." The four distinguished authors have extensive backgrounds as teachers, librarians, and writers. Few similar reference tools are currently available: Blacks in Science and Medicine (Hemisphere Pub., 1990), for instance, has brief facts rather than longer profiles and thus lacks the inspirational aspects of this title. A welcome addition to most libraries; buy where needed.-Laura E. Lipton, Ctr. for Urban Horticulture, Seattle

Library Journal

This volume contains biographies of 100 African Americans from all fields of science, medicine, and mathematics, approximately 20 percent of them women. The entries include familiar names, such as George Washington Carver and Charles Drew, some whose names students might remember after reading the entry, such as astronauts Ronald McNair and Mae Jemison, and others totally unfamiliar, such as NASA aerospace engineer Christine Darden and Dow Chemical senior scientist Linneaus Dorman. Most of these scientists are currently involved in either research or academe, and students will have difficulty finding information about them elsewhere. However, biographies for a dozen contemporary scientists not found in this book can be located in the "Encyclopedia of African-American History and Culture" (see above) This book is written for the middle and high-school user. The vocabulary and writing style are geared more for the younger reader, but the information will satisfy both groups. The entries are arranged alphabetically and average three to five pages. Each profile begins with a black-and-white photograph and the subject's vital statistics, including birth date and place, applicable death information or present position, educational background, and science field. An essay discusses the individual's childhood and family background, higher-education experiences, and career highlights. None of the articles is signed. The authors are educators with specialties covering history, science, reading, and library services School libraries will find this volume valuable because many of the people covered, such as Dartmouth physics professor H. Ralph Lewis and Bell Labs chemist James Mitchell, will not be found in other school resources. This book will also be an asset to multicultural collections in public libraries. Reading the stories of these lives may inspire young people, African Americans and others, to look toward the sciences as a career.

Zom Zoms

Contains some 100 biographical sketches of 20th-century African American scientists, including 20 women, for middle and high school students. Entries of 2-3 pages include scientists' date of birth, education, field of research, and current professional position, and describe their early years, education, and career highlights. Includes b&w photos and drawings, plus a chronological list of scientists and a list arranged by research area. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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