Celebrating HERstory with Women's History Month
- Alexandra Burke
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
March is Women's History Month, and some so many incredible ladies deserve more credit than they are getting.
March is a time to celebrate the achievements, courage, and contributions of women throughout history. From scientists breaking barriers in STEM to writers shaping literature, from athletes challenging gender norms to activists changing the world, women’s stories inspire and empower us. One of the most engaging ways to explore these stories is through film. Movies bring history to life, showing both the challenges women faced and the incredible impact they made.
To help you celebrate Women’s History Month in the classroom or at home, we’ve curated a list of films that highlight remarkable women across different subjects—science, math, history, literature, arts, and sports. Each film comes with a brief summary, the woman being honored, and a simple classroom activity to deepen students’ learning and reflection. Whether you’re a teacher looking for lesson ideas or a parent seeking educational movie nights, there’s something here for everyone.
Movies suitable for students 8th-12th grade
Generic Movie Guide for all movies --->
Science
Hidden Figures (2016) — PG
Women highlighted: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson
Description: Tells the story of three Black female mathematicians at NASA during the space race. Their calculations were critical to launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Classroom Extension: Students create a timeline of women’s contributions to NASA missions, including their scientific achievements and the obstacles they overcame.
Radioactive (2019) — PG-13
Woman highlighted: Marie Curie
Description: Biographical drama about Curie’s discovery of radium and polonium and her pioneering research on radioactivity.
Classroom Extension: Students write a short reflection on how Curie’s discoveries influenced modern medicine and science, and discuss barriers women faced in STEM.
Picture a Scientist (2020) — PG
Women highlighted: Nancy Hopkins, Jane Willenbring, Raychelle Burks
Description: A documentary exploring challenges women face in STEM careers and efforts to achieve equality in research.
Classroom Extension: Students research a woman scientist featured in the film and present a “career path map” outlining her education, achievements, and impact.
Math
Secrets of the Surface: The Mathematical Vision of Maryam Mirzakhani (2020) — PG
Woman highlighted: Maryam Mirzakhani
Description: Documentary about the first woman to win the Fields Medal for mathematics.
Classroom Extension: Students create a visual explanation or infographic of one of Mirzakhani’s contributions to geometry in a simplified, student-friendly way.
History / Government
Harriet (2019) — PG-13
Woman highlighted: Harriet Tubman
Description: Biographical drama about Tubman’s escape from slavery and her heroic work on the Underground Railroad.
Classroom Extension: Students write a journal entry “from the perspective” of someone escaping on the Underground Railroad, incorporating historical facts.
Suffragette (2015) — PG-13
Women highlighted: Emmeline Pankhurst and British suffragists
Description: Follows women fighting for voting rights in early 20th-century Britain.
Classroom Extension: Students create a mini-poster campaign advocating for a modern social issue, inspired by the suffragists’ methods.
On the Basis of Sex (2018) — PG-13
Woman highlighted: Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Description: Legal drama about the early career of the future U.S. Supreme Court justice and her fight against gender discrimination.
Classroom Extension: Students debate a historical or current legal issue relating to equality, referencing arguments from the film.
English / Literature
Little Women (2019) — PG
Woman highlighted: Louisa May Alcott
Description: Coming-of-age story about four sisters pursuing dreams in the 1800s, reflecting Alcott’s life as a pioneering female writer.
Classroom Extension: Students write a short story or poem inspired by a challenge a character in the film faces, emphasizing women’s empowerment.
Becoming Jane (2007) — PG
Woman highlighted: Jane Austen
Description: Drama about Austen’s early life and inspirations for her novels.
Classroom Extension: Students compare a scene from the film to a scene from one of Austen’s novels, discussing how life experiences shaped her writing.
Other (Arts, Culture, and Sports)
A League of Their Own (1992) — PG
Women highlighted: Players of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Description: Women step in to play professional baseball during WWII, proving their athletic skills and challenging gender roles.
Classroom Extension: Students research another historical moment where women broke barriers in sports or other fields, then present a short “hero biography.”
Queen of Katwe (2016) — PG
Woman highlighted: Phiona Mutesi
Description: True story of a girl from Uganda who becomes an international chess champion.
Classroom Extension: Students design a goal map showing steps to reach a personal or academic achievement, inspired by Phiona’s journey.
He Named Me Malala (2015) — PG-13
Woman highlighted: Malala YousafzaiBlurb: Documentary about the activist fighting for girls’ education after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban.Classroom Assignment: Students write a persuasive letter advocating for education or gender equality in their own community.
Celebrating Women’s History Month through film is more than just watching stories unfold on screen—it’s an opportunity to inspire curiosity, spark conversation, and recognize the remarkable achievements of women who changed the world. Whether students are reflecting on a groundbreaking scientist, a pioneering athlete, or a literary trailblazer, these movies offer meaningful ways to connect history, learning, and personal growth.
Use this movie guide as a starting point for discussion, creativity, and critical thinking. Encourage students—or yourself—to ask questions, explore the broader impact of these women’s contributions, and consider how we can continue to honor and support women making history today. After all, learning from the past is one of the best ways to shape a brighter, more equitable future.
Comments