female+mathematicians

__** Famous Female Mathematicians **__

While reviewing these sites and learning about famous female mathematicians, students should think about the characteristics that the women displayed in learning math. Also, if the environment in which they learned math is discussed, that information might be used to corroborate a pro or con stance.

[] This site, authored by the Agnes Scott College, provides a wealth of information and print and online resources related to the research topic: the lives and achievements of women in the field of mathematics, including women in applied mathematics fields, such as computing and aeronautics. The site is simply organized, user friendly, readily navigable, and reasonably up-to-date (last updated April 29). It appears to be managed by the Mathematics Department Chair (link to his CV etc. tells us that he's a credible academician), suggesting information provided here is credible. This site links easily to other sites with excellent, relevant content (e.g., I found this site via link from Association for Women in Mathematics, which appears to be the premier professional association for women mathematicians, and also offers extensive information related to this research topic; more on that below), suggesting this site will be a great resource for students.

[] Website of the Association for Women in Mathematics, purpose of which is to "encourage women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences, and to promote equal opportunity and the equal treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences." Clearly relevant to our research topic! Site is run by prominent women mathematicians, and registered to the American Mathematical Society, suggesting that it is connected to the mainstream in the field. Site is up-to-date, as suggested by inclusion of a research report published June 1. The site seems well-designed and efficient; loading was quick and error-free. The site map is clear, and students should be able to hone in quickly on the two relevant pages: one on biographies of prominent female mathematicians, one on research on women and girls in mathematics. (Will cross-reference link to the latter page with the Research page)

[] While this is not quite as prestigious as some other blogs, given that it is not sponsored by a known organization or educational institution, it was started by a lover of math, and the passion for math shows through. This page features 10 female mathematicians, all with brief biographies and summaries of their accomplishments, including Sofia Kovalevskaya, shown at right. This is not a scholarly source, and it would have to be monitored by teachers to ensure no inappropriate blog comments have been added; however, it is a good source for students with weaker reading and research skills than others might have. Given the topic, it is unlikely that inappropriate posts would be added, but, nonetheless, it is a consideration should this site be included in the webquest.

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This is the counterpart to the website found on the famous male mathematician page. It provides links to three websites that have vast lists of women mathematicians. As it comes from a school, it should be a trusted website, and browsing through the sites shows nothing objectionable. Students will have to dig a little deeper to find what they are looking for, but stronger students may appreciate the challenge.