Understanding Earth: Women Who Led the Way (Super SHEroes of Science)

Book excerpt: This brand-new series highlights some of the major contributions women have made in the world of science. What shapes our planet? Women have been answering the question for centuries on many levels. Scientists such as Marie Curie have investigated the building blocks of matter, and the physical forces that act upon them. Geologists have studied the rocks beneath our feet by venturing dangerously close to erupting volcanoes, and have figured out what lies at Earth's center and why its surface moves as it does. Women have also led the way in exploring the planet's atmosphere and the causes and effects of climate change, the most urgent problem scientists are trying to solve. This book tells their stories and describes their vital contributions. ABOUT THE SERIES: From studying the stars to curing disease, understanding plants and animals, pioneering computer studies, and unraveling the secrets of atoms and molecules, women have played a vital role in scientific advances since the ancient world. Yet their contributions have often gone unrecognized or, worse, have been credited to others. With lively text, photography, and art, Super SHEroes of Science sets out to redress the balance and give credit where it's due. It examines the contributions to various fields of science of individual women from around the world!