Free Mini Lesson | Famous Female Mathematician

Sophie Germain was a remarkable woman who overcame many obstacles to achieve success in mathematics. She is an inspiration to homeschoolers, women, and mathematicians around the world.

10 things about Sophie Germain every homeschool kid should know about this famous, french female mathematician:

1. She was a French mathematician, born in the month of April, who lived from 1776 to 1831.
2. She was a self-taught mathematician who overcame many obstacles to pursue her passion for mathematics.
3. She made significant contributions to number theory, elasticity, and the theory of vibrations.
4. She was the first woman to win the Grand Prize of the Paris Academy of Sciences.
5. She corresponded with some of the leading mathematicians of her time, including Carl Friedrich Gauss and Adrien-Marie Legendre.
6. She was a pioneer in the study of Fermat’s Last Theorem, and her work helped pave the way for its eventual proof by Andrew Wiles in 1995.
7. She was a strong advocate for women’s education and equality.
8. She died of breast cancer in 1831 at the age of 55.
9. She is considered one of the most important female mathematicians of all time.
10. Her name is now used for a number of awards and scholarships for women in mathematics.

Here are some other interesting facts about Sophie Germain that homeschool kids might find interesting:

1. She was inspired to study mathematics after reading about the death of Archimedes at the hands of a Roman soldier.
2. She used the pseudonym “Monsieur LeBlanc” when she first began corresponding with other mathematicians because she was afraid of being discriminated against for being female.
3. She was a member of the secret society Les Amis de la Constitution, which fought for the ideals of the French Revolution.
4. She was a gifted musician and played the piano and harp.
5. She was also a talented poet and wrote several poems about mathematics.

Learn more about Sophie Germain with a free mini-lesson and this more detailed unit study. She’s part of the April Calendar of Famous Folks from CaptivatingCompass.com.

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