Obscure Histories

RIGOROUS | ENGAGING | SHORT-FORM

COMMON CORE | SCALEABLE

For teachers and students of all ages.

ODD HISTORIES WITH A STEM EMPHASIS

SCIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | ENGINEERING | MATHEMATICS

Programmer, Mathematician, and

Grace Hopper pioneered the Harvard MARK I computer, the COBOL computer language, and invented the first compiler, a translation mechanism that allowed programmers to communicate with computers in common languages.

GRACE HOPPER

Wikicommons

Online Resources

GRACE HOPPER

Online Resources

Biographies of Grace Hopper

Documentary on Grace Hopper

Grace Hopper on Letterman

History of Computers, general resources

ONLINE CODING INSTRUCTIONAL WEBSITES

ONLINE CODING GAMES AND TUTORIALS FOR KIDS

HISTORIES

HISTORY WITH SCIENCE

OH provides short, entertaining stories about little-known people and events told with a science emphasis. But, you don't need to be a scientist to enjoy them! Use only the links you'd like or read only what you want.

Created with the help of educators and students, each OH comes equipped with extensive online resources (comparative, supplemental, timelines, and videos), as well as curated "Rabbit Hole" searches that lead the reader through scholarly articles, books, news, and images.

Supplemental Biographical Timelines Videos

DIGIMORPH

High resolution scans of fossils can be downloaded to 3D Printers

University of Texas, Austin

Department of Geological Sciences

"The Digital Morphology library is a dynamic archive of information on digital morphology and high-resolution X-ray computed tomography of biological specimens. Browse through the site and see spectacular imagery and animations and details on the morphology of many representatives of the Earth's biota."

One of the most impressive features of DigiMorph is their 3-D printing capabilities. Not only can you create replicas of a specimen, but you can scale a specimen up or down in size.

DigiMorph also has a library of printable STL files of specimens that can be downloaded and printed at other 3-D printers.

Grace Hopper Mathematician, Computer Programmer, Navy Rear Admiral	Irene Morgan Before Rosa Parks, Morgan defied the law in a case that went to the Supreme Court	Paquiquineo/Don Luis A Native turned Jesuit Missionary toured the world, returned, and disappeared.
Pilgrim Ban on Christmas In the 17th Century, the American Pilgrims banned Christmas celebrations for decades.	Niels Stensen Father of Modern Geology and Neuroanatomist	Francisca Rojas Fingerprints The first used of forensic fingerprinting happened in Buenos Aries, Argentina
Japanese Temple Geometry Tokugawa Geometry before the introduction of Western Mathematics	Hanaoka Seishu Developed general anesthesia in Japan.	Hiram Bingham: Saved thousands-WWII Low-level U.S. diplomat who helps hundreds of Jews escape Vichy France.
Georges Méliès Pioneer in film and special effects, and conjuror.	Wingfoot Express Distaster in Chicago, 1919.	Dr. Mary Walker Battlefield surgeon during the Civil War, Medal of Honor recipient.
Bushnell's Turtle World's first attack submarine was used during the American Revolution.	Kate Shelley Kate Shelley crossed a bridge in a deluge, and saved a train full of people.	Billy Mitchell Founded the U.S. Air Force
Katterfelto Quack doctor demonstrated microorganism, and got into trouble during an epidemic.	Greely's Expedition Trapped in Greenland for years.	Cleo's Pearl Dissolved a pearl in vinegar to beat Antony in a bet.
Greatrakes Faith healer of the "King's Evil" threatened the newly restored King Charles II.	Saba Saba The number 7/7 has a deep political meaning in Kenya.	Comet of 1680 Astronomer helped Newton prove orbits and gravity, without credit.
Bottle Conjuror How a magician started a riot in c. 18th London.