Celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the foundational contributions of early Black leaders in STEM with this engaging high school presentation lesson and activity set.

This resource is Lesson 1 of a 4-part series focused on Black innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students explore how Black scientists and inventors helped shape American infrastructure and challenged scientific racism during the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution eras.

The lesson includes a structured, teacher-led presentation along with two independent student activities (a word search and crossword puzzle) to reinforce key vocabulary and historical understanding. The lesson comes with a full Teacher-guide.

Featured STEM leaders include:

• Benjamin Banneker – Polymath & Surveyor
  
• Dr. James McCune Smith – Physician & Statistician
  
• Lewis Latimer – Electrical Engineer & Draftsman
  
• Granville T. Woods – Railway & Electrical Innovator
  

Students learn how these innovators contributed to astronomy, medicine, engineering, statistics, and transportation technology while overcoming social and institutional barriers.