What do you see in the photo, where is it? What else do you notice? What do you think this story might be about?
The Eiffel Tower was inaugurated for the 1889 World's fair. When the tower was opened there were engravings of names on the first floor. 72 people had their name engraved.
Who do you think these people were?
Why do you think their names were engraved on the Eiffel Tower?
72 scientists had their names engraved in 1889. These were people who it was felt had left their mark in science.
Can you think of any scientists whose names might be there?
What protected characteristic do all these people have in common?
Last year it was announce that 72 further names would be added to those already engraved on the Eiffel tower, "To paint a more complete version of scientific history."
What does that mean- how can history be incomplete?
What do you think is planned?
72 names of female scientists will be added this year. These will include mathematicians, physicists, oceanographers, physicians. Their names will be added on a strip just above the existing frieze.
Why do you think women's names were missed off in 1889? Did the designers just forget?
Can anyone think of female scientists?
Some people say that women's contributions to science have been erased from history or relegated to the background. Why do you think that is?
The names to be added include Marie Curie, who pioneered radioactivity and Rosalind Franklin, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in the 18th Century; she made advances in botanical research. Anita Conti was an oceanographer whose work transformed our understanding of the seas.
The aim is to shine a light on inspiring role models for a new generation and remind us that research has never been the preserve of a single gender.
What does that mean?
One might argue that the Eiffel tower is an historical monument built for its time. Should we be altering it 140 years later? Why not build a new monument and include women's names? What do you think? Can you see different points of view here?
The Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said, "Soon young girls gazing at the Eiffel tower will be able to aspire to become doctors, mathematicians, chemists, biologists, computer scientists, engineers, physicists, astrophysicists, or climate scientists. We need scientists and women to shape the future of our world."
Why not boys? Do you think Anne is right to highlight just girls in this way?
Why is this about No Outsiders - who is the outsider in this story?
What has this story got to do with us in our school?
Which British Value is this about?
Do you want this assembly as a power point with Oracy sentence stems? To join the free mailing list and receive these assemblies as power points every week, email me on a.moffat@excelsiormat.org
No Outsiders: We belong here by Andrew Moffat (scheme of work for primary schools)
Register to be a No Outsiders school (get access to members page with additional resources)
Watch CPD films showing schools teaching belonging
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