Stories to read to children
12 stories of successful women in STEAM to inspire children.
The story of Rita Levi-Montalcini, adapted for the STEAM Tales project, highlights her journey from a young girl living in Turin, Italy, during the fascist regime to a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who revolutionised the field of neurobiology—growing up with a love for stories and a dream to become a writer. Rita’s path shifted when her nanny fell ill, igniting her passion for medicine. Despite societal expectations and many challenges, Rita persevered in her studies and later conducted groundbreaking research on nerve cells, leading to the discovery of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). This discovery significantly advanced the understanding of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s, ultimately earning her the Nobel Prize.
The STEAM Tales project uses Rita’s inspirational story, among others, to help connect girls with positive role models in STEM fields. In total, the project presents stories of 12 inspiring women in STEM, designed specifically for elementary school children aged 6-9. Each story is carefully developed in an age-appropriate format, complete with illustrations and engaging graphic design to capture pupils’ attention. Each narrative follows the role model’s journey from childhood to a successful career, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. These stories can be read by teachers to their pupils or enjoyed by children independently. By showcasing relatable role models, these stories seek to inspire and motivate girls to envision themselves thriving in STE(A)M fields. Additionally, by providing these resources, we aim to support teachers in promoting STEAM education, particularly among girls, and help them see women as empowering role models in these fields.
