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5 Pioneering Women in Tech You Should Really Know About

By: Holly Spanner
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Breaking barriers and building futures: these women in STEM have changed the world.

The article "5 Pioneering Women in Tech You Should Really Know About" from BBC's Science Focus highlights the achievements of five remarkable women in STEM. Ada Lovelace, Katherine Johnson, Dame Stephanie Shirley, Michelle Zatlyn, and Elizabeth Coulombe have made significant contributions to technology, computing, and environmental sustainability, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM.

Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Illustration of Ada Lovelace who lived in the 19th Century
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

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Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 600L-800L
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Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800L-1000L
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Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000L-1200L
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