"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind!" The famous words spoken by Neil Armstrong in 1969, created one of the most unforgettable moments in U.S. history. Even before that first-ever landing on the moon, astronauts began navigating their way through the thrill and mystery that is outer space. From John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the earth, to Sally Ride, the first American woman to enter space, these famous names have taken space exploration to new heights.
When it comes to famous black scientists, George Washington Carver, Mae C. Jemison, and Neil Degrasse Tyson probably come to mind. But do you know about Otis Boykin and how he's helped old hearts beat a little better? And how about Garrett Morgan, whose inventions have kept hair straighter, clothes fitter, and traffic more efficient? Learn more about these famous black scientists and more.
They've gone to space and back, taught us about the natural world, dug up the earth and discovered the origins of our species. The world of science wouldn't be the same without the pioneering efforts of famous female scientists like Mary Leakey, Sally Field, Jane Goodall, Mary Curie and others. We invite you to sit with their stories and enter new areas of understanding.
Did you know that since 1912, nearly 50 million girls in the United States have joined the Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts helped an amazingly diverse array of famous women develop a strong foundation of courage, confidence and character. It's no surprise then that quite a few famous women spent time in the sash. Celebrities who got their start selling cookies and earning merit badges include Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter and actress/writer Carrie Fisher; former first ladies Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan; Olympic skaters Bonnie Blair and Peggy Fleming; astronaut Sally Ride; and iconic women's rights activist Gloria Steinem. Browse our collection of inspiring famous Girl Scouts who have certainly earned merit badges in their fields.
Despite all sorts of institutional obstacles, women have continued to reach stratospheric levels of success in a full gamut of professional pursuits, whether as scientists, scribes, educators, governmental leaders, athletes, designers, film directors or performers. Learn more about the plethora of triumphs obtained by our group of trailblazers.
Visit Biography.com's Women's History group to explore more biographies, photos and videos of some the world's most fascinating women.
Throughout history, the greatest scientific minds have not only demystified the world with their discoveries, but helped shape how we live in it with their ingenious inventions. From Sir Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin to Albert Einstein and many more brilliant minds, here is a group of famous scientists who have made major advances in the field of science.