Incorporating 'Alice Ball Finds a Cure' into the STEM Curriculum

At the age of 23, pioneering scientist Alice Ball developed the first effective leprosy therapy. An excellent resource for STEM education is her groundbreaking work, which was memorialized in Alice Ball Finds a Cure.

Incorporating this book into the STEM curriculum enables teachers to introduce students to a variety of historical figures, promoting a wider appreciation of scientific achievements outside the conventional narratives. This article examines the book's applicability in science, history, and critical thinking and provides actionable lesson plans at various educational levels.

Why Alice Ball Found a Cure is a Worthwhile Addition to the STEM Education Curriculum

Alice Ball's scientific and medical contributions are immense but remain unknown to most. She came up with the "Ball Method," a method of isolating chaulmoogra oil, which was the first effective treatment for leprosy. Emphasizing such figures as Alice Ball within the STEM education teaches students about diverse science pioneers, especially women and minorities, who have driven medical breakthroughs. The book inculcates curiosity and scientific mind among early learners through exposing them to the fact that hard work and ingenuity culminate in tangible solutions.

Using Alice Ball Finds a Cure as a Part of the STEM Preschool Curriculum

For young children, Alice Ball Finds a Cure can be read in ways that will encourage early interest in science.

Activity Idea: "Science Storytime"

• Read the book aloud and ask children to discuss what scientists do.

• Highlight problem-solving and experimentation using Alice Ball's experience as an example.

Hands-On Experiment: Oil and Water Separation

• Introduce chemistry concepts with an easy oil-and-water experiment.

• Make kids shake oil and water in jars together, and notice how they always separate again.

• Connect this with Alice Ball's work on extracting oils for medication.

Kindergarten STEM Curriculum Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan: "Discovering Science Like Alice"

• Learning Objectives: Developing scientific process and problem-solving.

• Activity: Combine nature ingredients (i.e., food coloring, water, oil) to witness solubility and reactions.

• Discussion: Describe how Alice Ball tested various substances to create a cure for leprosy.

• Cross-Curricular Tie-in: Tie the lesson to history and storytelling by talking about other scientific trailblazers and their findings.

STEM Curriculum Integration for Elementary & Middle School Students

Lesson Plan: "Women in STEM – Alice Ball's Impact"

Research Project: Students research Alice Ball's impact on medicine and present or post about her work.

Science Experiment: Oil Extraction and Solubility

• Imitate Alice Ball's study by illustrating that substances dissolve in different ways in different solvents.

• Perform an experiment to separate essential oils from orange peels using water and alcohol.

• Describe the influence of scientific discovery on medicine and everyday life.

Fostering Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving via the STEM Education Curriculum

Alice Ball's determination is a source of motivation for students to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Teachers can promote classroom discussions on the ability to overcome challenges in scientific research.

Conclusion

Including Alice Ball Finds a Cure into the STEM education program does not only emphasize an inspiring scientist but also acknowledges diversity in STEM careers. Through such a framed lesson into different age groups, instructors would be able to encourage students to pursue scientific exploration and innovation.

By incorporating Alice Ball's life into the STEM curriculum, we give the next generation of scientists, thinkers, and innovators the ability to make a positive impact in the world.