In Context

To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before*

| By Traci Cothran | The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI currently has an exhibit on Star Trek; since I watched this show all the time growing up, I checked it out and brought a few tribbles with me, too.  It was a good exhibit – featuring original costumes and props (phasers! scanners!) along … Read more

The Great Debate

| By Tracey Matthews, K12 Content Strategist , Gale | Complete your debate prep for the National Speech & Debate Tournament with Research In Context! With several portals (or topic pages) on social issues, Research In Context helps middle schoolers make connections to the world beyond the classroom, write persuasive research papers, and prepare well-informed … Read more

Understanding Suicide Awareness & Prevention Through Gale Resources

| By Tracie Moy | Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and suicide rates have increased by more than 25% in the last two decades1. Acknowledging for every suicide there are 25 attempts that aren’t fatal, you realize the extent of our current mental health crisis. Suicide awareness and … Read more

Access a Canadian Perspective

| By Julie Mellors, Content Developer, Gale | O Canada! Have you checked out Gale’s Canada In Context database recently? There’s plenty to see. We have added a lot of timely and important new portals that deserve a look. Canada In Context is a database that was created for students and researchers studying Canada, its people, … Read more

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

| By Traci Cothran |

How wonderful is it that following the release of the movie “Hidden Figures,” the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson are now known by millions?  Their collective story is an impressive and important one, yet it’s a part of our history that’s been concealed for decades.

What other significant contributions by women are also shielded from view?  It’s a joy to uncover these gems, and allow them to inspire other women and girls today.  To me, that’s what Women’s History Month is all about—shining a light on the often overlooked contributions made by women throughout history.

Here are just a few, randomly chosen women from today and yesterday whose work and lives are notable.  You’ll find them all in Biography In Context, among other Gale resources.  As you read about them, you’re bound to discover other interesting women, too!

Maria Tallchief – (1925-2013) Tallchief was the first American-born woman to achieve prima ballerina status at a major dance company; she was also a member of the Osage Nation.  She’s featured this month in Research In Context.

Zora Neale Hurston – (1891-1960) A writer and major figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston is a favorite of mine, for both her wonderful writing and her ability to live an unconventional life for women of her era.

Read moreWOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month: Women in STEM

| By Tracie Moy | March is Women’s History Month! And while it’s important to recognize the achievements made by all women, we are here to talk about women in STEM; these women are scientists, physicians, engineers, mathematicians, environmentalists, physicists… the list goes on! From a historical perspective, we typically think of the Jane Goodall’s and … Read more

A New Year with Endless Possibilities

| By Heather Van | As a new Gale employee, I have been spending a lot of time exploring and learning about our products. The school databases are full of seemingly endless information just waiting to be mined. The teacher in me sees the possibilities for new classroom lessons and organized research functionalities. The student … Read more

Empower Students with Research In Context

| By Sydney Fairman | Designed specifically for middle school students, Research In Context supports the development of information and digital literacy skills. Young researchers will be inspired by how quickly they can navigate and find the answers they need. Categories cover the most studied topics ranging from cultures and government to history and literature, … Read more

The Curious Case of Puerto Rico: Neither a U.S. State nor an Independent Country

| By Mark Mikula | As we pay tribute to the many Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation this Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s reflect on commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which has, throughout its history, held a unique position in its relationship to the United States. Puerto Rico was “discovered” in 1493 … Read more