It’s Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and rich cultural legacy of Black Americans. February is also a perfect opportunity to inspire students through STEAM while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom.
By blending Black history with hands-on STEAM learning, educators can make learning interactive, inspire curiosity, and empower students to dream big. Here’s how you can bring this celebration into your classroom this year.
Why Black History Month Matters in STEAM Education
Representation Empowers Students
When students learn about Black innovators, scientists, and creators, it sends a powerful message: everyone can make a difference. Highlighting Black trailblazers in STEAM encourages students to explore their interests and helps them see themselves as future problem-solvers, inventors, and leaders.
History Meets Today
Black History Month isn’t just about the past, it’s about understanding how history shapes the present. Exploring historical achievements and challenges helps students think critically about equity, inclusion, and social change, while giving them a sense of responsibility to make the world more inclusive.
Black History STEAM Challenges with Ozobot
Make learning memorable by linking coding and history with these engaging activities:
Katherine Johnson: Mapping the Moon
Students will program Ozobot to navigate a spaceship along a moon mission route, celebrating Katherine Johnson’s critical role at NASA.
Subjects: Math, Science, Computer Science, Engineering/Tech, Social Studies
Grades: 3–5
Prominent Black Engineers and Scientists
Students will research a pioneering Black engineer or scientist and design a timeline Ozobot can travel along using Color Code markers or magnets.
Subjects: Social Studies, Computer Science, Engineering/Tech
Grades: 6–12
Black History: Influential People
In this activity, students will read clues to identify five different influential people in Black history and draw a picture to show a major event for each. Students will create an interactive timeline using Color Codes to program their Ozobot to move through history.
Subjects: Social Studies, Computer Science, Engineering/Tech
Grades: 2–5
Celebrating Black History Month with STEAM gives students the chance to study history while practicing their problem-solving, creativity, and coding skills. It’s a fun, meaningful way to honor the past and inspire future innovators.
