Women’s History Month: Teach With Film

Free Resources for Women’s History Month

These free resources to support you through Women’s History Month that all take advantage of the power of film. They include core-based lesson plans, fully prepared and ready for immediate classroom use, as they highlight the stories of women who are changemakers, thought leaders, scholars, scientists and much more. They also work for Gender Equity Month (March), International Women’s Day (March 8), and all year round.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures tells the story of  Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. These women, known as “human computers,” worked for NASA in the 1960s. Our FREE Hidden Figures teaching guide features 8 lessons across the curriculum. It is our most popular resource and features a lesson women in science.  We also offer a free Hidden Figures discussion guide that’s great for film clubs and community groups. Hidden Figures is a great choice for Gender Equity Month and Equal Pay Day on March 31.

He Named Me Malala

He Named Me Malala is a dynamic documentary featuring live action and animated sequences to tell the true life story of Malala Yousafzai. She was only 11 years old when she began detailing her experiences in Pakistan for the BBC. terrorists shot and almost killed her — but she survived and continues to advocate for gender equity around the world. Her story, with  our corresponding free discussion guide, is an inspiration to students of all genders. Our extensive curriculum guide explores the history of the Taliban, the geography of Pakistan, and more.

JANE

JANE is a documentary film from National Geographic showcasing the life and important work of revolutionary biologist Jane Goodall. She was a pioneer in the field of primatology. We’ve created a free discussion guide for this film. JANE is another great choice for studying women in STEM alongside Hidden Figures that gets students of all genders excited about STEM careers. JANE likewise works well for Gender Equity Month.

More Popular Women’s History Resources

Two of our recent resources highlight women whose stories resonate with students because of the relevancy to issues facing many students today.

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down

This award-winning documentary explores the incredible real life story of gun violence survivor Gabby Giffords. Learn about her relentless fight to recover following an assassination attempt and her new life as one of the most effective activists in the battle against gun violence. For Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down, we’ve created a discussion guide and a learning guide. Both highlight Gabby’s inspirational life and our learning guide is perfect for differentiated learning, hybrid learning and for focused lessons on civics, career pathways, gun violence and much more.

Rebel Hearts

This critically-acclaimed documentary tells the story of Los Angeles’s Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, nuns who challenged the patriarchal conventions of the Catholic Church 50 years ago and are still taking a stand today. Rebel Hearts features three standards-based lessons relevant to U.S. History classes, World Religions and Art.

Big Sonia

Big Sonia tells the story of Holocaust survivor Sonia Warshawski, a vibrant woman in her nineties who speaks to students and prison inmates about her experiences. This outstanding documentary also pairs well with our Antisemitism Today lesson, available from our Schindler’s List page.

Wadjda

Wadjda tells an uplifting story of a ten year-old girl who challenges convention to get her own bicycle. Our Wadjda Curriculum Guide introduces students to the film’s director, Saudi Arabia’s history-making first female filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour. It also explores the lives of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.

Whale Rider

Whale Rider shares  the story of a Maori girl struggling to find her place in her community, whose ambitious dreams are in conflict with tradition. Our Whale Rider Curriculum Guide includes a lesson on Culture and Gender.

Queen of Katwe

Finally, Queen of Katwe is a beautiful narrative film starring Lupita Nyong’o, based on the true life story of young chess champion Phiona Mutesi. This hit Disney movie celebrates the human spirit and the power of chess.

We can’t wait for you to bring these powerful resources to your classroom. Happy Women’s History Month!

Update: Check out our newest film that celebrates a remarkable woman, The Neighborhood Storyteller about Asmaa Rashed. This young Syrian mother in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp empowers young girls through transformative reading circles, igniting hope and change.

Don’t miss out on our newest teaching guides. To get notifications about latest resource launches, sign up for our newsletter.

Five Films About Amazing Women

These five award-winning documentary and feature films highlight the stories of exceptional women and their impressive accomplishments in STEM, religion, the arts, and human rights advocacy. Our free discussion guides and curriculum guides for these films can deepen engagement with the themes of gender, equality and human rights for all students. These positive representations of women can also expand students’ ideas about what leadership and excellence look like and inspire them in their own ambitions.

Jane

Documentary film Jane follows the life and career of Dr. Jane Goodall. Jane’s work with chimpanzees allowed a new understanding of what it means to be human and at the same time proved that women could be successful as scientists in a world previously dominated by men. Our free discussion guide includes a section on Women in the Biological Sciences Today. This film is a great way to get students of all genders excited about gender equity and STEM careers. For grades 4-12.

He Named Me Malala

He Named Me Malala charts the rise of Malala Yousafzai as an international advocate for girls’ education to become the youngest ever Nobel Prize winner at 17. Our curriculum guide for this documentary includes lessons on Working for Change (Social Studies/Community Service); Global Violence Against Women and Girls (Social Studies/Sociology); and Women’s Education, Health, and Economic Development (Social Studies/Health/Economics). Our discussion guide also explores the global status of girls’ secondary education and why education is so critical. In addition to introducing Malala’s incredible story, this film will inspire students about the power and importance of education for all. For grades 7-12.

Hidden Figures

The hit Disney film Hidden Figures is based on the real-life story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three Black women who overcame adversity to make historic contributions in the 1960s NASA space program. Our curriculum guide includes a career readiness lesson on Women of Science. Our discussion guide includes questions for students to consider about the lived experiences of the title characters as well as an exploration of STEM careers. These materials are our most popular downloads because students and teachers love this film! For grades 7-12.

The Neighborhood Storyteller

In compelling documentary The Neighborhood Storyteller, a Syrian refugee mother in Jordan’s Zaatari camp empowers young girls through transformative reading circles, igniting hope and change. Asmaa Rashed’s read-aloud project uses literature as a catalyst to expand the teenage girl participants’ horizons, nurture self-worth, and inspire them to envision a future filled with opportunities. Our discussion guide deepens engagement with Asmaa’s story and includes a section on Grassroots Work, Life Skills, and Future Vision. This must-watch film inspires students of all genders about the power of finding their own voice and the potential to change the world they live in. For grades 9-12.

Rebel Hearts

Rebel Hearts chronicles the radical activism of The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church in the 1960s, fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom. Their bold acts of faith, defiance and activism turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate more than fifty years later. Our curriculum guide explores the sisters journey and also introduces the protest art activism of Sister Mary Corita aka Corita Kent with a hands-on art lesson. This film will fire up students with confidence to face down adversaries and obstacles of all sizes. For grades 9-12.

Collage of film posters for The Neighborhood Storyteller, Jane, Rebel Hearts, Hidden Figures, and He Named Me Malala. Text says: "5 Films About Amazing Women To Teach Today".
 

 

 

10 Powerful Films for Community Events

Pair these 10 Powerful Films for Community Events with our free Film Discussion Guides to For Successful Screenings and Rousing Conversations

We recommend these ten powerful films to screen at community events, after school settings, and library groups. These award-winning documentaries and feature films speak to contemporary issues while they educate and uplift. We offer free discussion guides designed for community viewings for these films to facilitate rousing conversations that leave your participants inspired.

Thinking of starting a film club of your own? Check out this community learning article by our National Advisory Council member Piper Hendricks: Why Book Club When You Can Doc Club?

Crip Camp

shares with insight, humor, and joy the experiences of a group of disabled teenagers and their journey to adulthood and activism, and delves into the rich and powerful history of disability activism and culture. The Discussion Guide deepens the knowledge and understanding of disability and of disabled people offered in the film. Get the free Crip Camp Discussion Guide.

Gabby Gifford Won’t Back Down

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down tells the extraordinary story of former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords: her relentless fight to recover following an assassination attempt, and her new life as one of the most effective activists in the battle against gun violence. We offer a Discussion Guide and a flexible Learning Guide for this film, which can both be useful for community film screenings. The guides explore brain injury, resilience and recovery as well as gun violence causes and solutions. Both guides are available in English and Spanish. Get free Gabby Gifford Won’t Back Down Guides.

He Named Me Malala

He Named Me Malala chronicles the events leading up to the Taliban’s attack on Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai for speaking out on girls’ education, followed by the aftermath, including her speech to the United Nations. Her survival and recovery have been little short of miraculous. Our discussion guide emphasizes the importance of education for all and explores opportunities for action. Get the free He Named Me Malala Discussion Guide.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures highlights the determination of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, the three Black women known as “human computers” in the NASA space program of the 1960s. Our Hidden Figures Discussion Guide explores the Jim Crow south and the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War and the Space Race, and the role of women in historical and contemporary STEM leadership. Get the free Hidden Figures Discussion Guide.

Jane

Jane explores the life and work of the renowned primatology scientist Dr. Jane Goodall, especially on her research about chimpanzees.  By patiently integrating herself into the chimpanzee community she was studying, Jane pioneered a methodology of observation and allowed a new understanding of what it means to be human and proved that women could be successful as scientists in a world previously dominated by men. Get the free Jane Discussion Guide.

Navalny

Enthralling and intimate, NAVALNY unfolds with the pace of a thriller as it follows Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in his quest to identify the men who poisoned him in August 2020. Shot in Germany as the story unfolded and offering extraordinary access to the investigation, NAVALNY is a fly-on-the-wall documentary that is also a study of Navalny the man. The Oscar-winning documentary speaks to a world transformed by Russia, its war in Ukraine, and the growing and treacherous threat of authoritarianism around the world. Get the free Navalny Discussion Guide.

Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe is based on the inspiring true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess. As a result of the support she receives from her family and community, she is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Get the free Queen of Katwe Discussion Guide.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is based on the incredible true story of a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi who finds an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine. Our free Discussion Guide explores desertification and points at opportunities for action. Get the free The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind Discussion Guide.

UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality

UNZIPPED: An Autopsy of American Inequality explores gentrification, homelessness, poverty, and the affordable housing crisis. This intimate feature documentary explodes stereotypes and humanizes the lived experiences of people caught in the cross-fire of America’s growing housing divide. Our UNZIPPED Learning Guide includes pre-viewing questions and points at housing crisis solutions and avenues for action. Get the free UNZIPPED Learning Guide.

Youth v Gov

YOUTH v GOV tells the story of America’s youth taking on the world’s most powerful government. Armed with a wealth of evidence, twenty-one courageous leaders file a ground-breaking lawsuit against the U.S. government, asserting it has willfully acted over six decades to create the climate crisis, thus endangering their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property. If these young people are successful, they will not only make history, they will change the future. Get the free Youth v Gov Discussion Guide.

BONUS: Discussion Facilitation Guidelines

This short guide suggestions for leading productive group conversations that broaden perspectives and encourage empathy. Get free Facilitation Guidelines.

UPDATE: New Additions

We added award-winning documentary Greener Pastures to our library in 2024. Following four Midwest family farms over several years, Greener Pastures is a story of perseverance within the farming industry in the heartland. Start with family farming, then add in climate change, a worldwide pandemic, and the increasing economic uncertainty brought on by megafarms: being an independent farmer in America is a profession of survival. This is also a superb film choice for public screenings. Get the free Greener Pastures Discussion Guide.

Grid arranged movie posters, 2 across, 3 down for a total of 6 movie poster. Posters for Navalny, Unzipped, Youth v Gov, Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, Queen of Katwe and Hidden Figures. Each of the image features prominently key figures from the films and the title of the film.

Women’s History Month: Teach With Film

Free Resources for Women’s History Month

These free resources to support you through Women’s History Month that all take advantage of the power of film. They include core-based lesson plans, fully prepared and ready for immediate classroom use, as they highlight the stories of women who are changemakers, thought leaders, scholars, scientists and much more. They also work for Gender Equity Month (March), International Women’s Day (March 8), and all year round.

Collage of film posters for Big Sonia, Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, He Named Me Malala, Hidden Figures, JANE, Queen of Katwe, Rebel Hearts, Wadjda, and Whale Rider.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures tells the story of  Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. These women, known as “human computers,” worked for NASA in the 1960s. Our FREE Hidden Figures teaching guide features 8 lessons across the curriculum. It is our most popular resource and features a lesson women in science.  We also offer a free Hidden Figures discussion guide that’s great for film clubs and community groups. Hidden Figures is a great choice for Gender Equity Month and Equal Pay Day on March 31.

He Named Me Malala

He Named Me Malala is a dynamic documentary featuring live action and animated sequences to tell the true life story of Malala Yousafzai. She was only 11 years old when she began detailing her experiences in Pakistan for the BBC. terrorists shot and almost killed her — but she survived and continues to advocate for gender equity around the world. Her story, with  our corresponding free discussion guide, is an inspiration to students of all genders. Our extensive curriculum guide explores the history of the Taliban, the geography of Pakistan, and more.

JANE

JANE is a documentary film from National Geographic showcasing the life and important work of revolutionary biologist Jane Goodall. She was a pioneer in the field of primatology. We’ve created a free discussion guide for this film. JANE is another great choice for studying women in STEM alongside Hidden Figures that gets students of all genders excited about STEM careers. JANE likewise works well for Gender Equity Month.

More Popular Women’s History Resources

Two of our recent resources highlight women whose stories resonate with students because of the relevancy to issues facing many students today.

Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down

This award-winning documentary explores the incredible real life story of gun violence survivor Gabby Giffords. Learn about her relentless fight to recover following an assassination attempt and her new life as one of the most effective activists in the battle against gun violence. For Gabby Giffords Won’t Back Down, we’ve created a discussion guide and a learning guide. Both highlight Gabby’s inspirational life and our learning guide is perfect for differentiated learning, hybrid learning and for focused lessons on civics, career pathways, gun violence and much more.

Rebel Hearts

This critically-acclaimed documentary tells the story of Los Angeles’s Sisters of the Immaculate Heart, nuns who challenged the patriarchal conventions of the Catholic Church 50 years ago and are still taking a stand today. Rebel Hearts features three standards-based lessons relevant to U.S. History classes, World Religions and Art.

Big Sonia

Big Sonia tells the story of Holocaust survivor Sonia Warshawski, a vibrant woman in her nineties who speaks to students and prison inmates about her experiences. This outstanding documentary also pairs well with our Antisemitism Today lesson, available from our Schindler’s List page.

Wadjda

Wadjda tells an uplifting story of a ten year-old girl who challenges convention to get her own bicycle. Our Wadjda Curriculum Guide introduces students to the film’s director, Saudi Arabia’s history-making first female filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour. It also explores the lives of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.

Whale Rider

Whale Rider shares  the story of a Maori girl struggling to find her place in her community, whose ambitious dreams are in conflict with tradition. Our Whale Rider Curriculum Guide includes a lesson on Culture and Gender.

Queen of Katwe

Finally, Queen of Katwe is a beautiful narrative film starring Lupita Nyong’o, based on the true life story of young chess champion Phiona Mutesi. This hit Disney movie celebrates the human spirit and the power of chess.

We can’t wait for you to bring these powerful resources to your classroom. Happy Women’s History Month!

Update: Check out our newest film that celebrates a remarkable woman, The Neighborhood Storyteller about Asmaa Rashed. This young Syrian mother in Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp empowers young girls through transformative reading circles, igniting hope and change.

Don’t miss out on our newest teaching guides. To get notifications about latest resource launches, sign up for our newsletter.A collage image featuring movie posters or curriculum guide covers for Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down, Hidden Figures, Rebel Hearts, Wadjda, He Named Me Malala, Queen of Katwe, Whale Rider, Jane, Big Sonia

Written by Jennifer Fischer.

Top Ten Downloads of 2023

Prepare for the new year with our TOP resources of 2023, Discover which ones made the list and get ready to level up your teaching game. Check out the top ten downloads of 2023!

10. A three-way tie for Crip Camp, The Post, and Whale Rider

Teach about Camp Jened and Disability Justice with our Crip Camp Curriculum Guide and Discussion Guide (for high school). Explore Freedom of the Press with The Post Curriculum Guide (for high school). Discover Māori culture with 10 cross-curriculum lessons in our Whale Rider Curriculum Guide (grades 6-12). All three of these films were Oscar nominees.

Movie posters for Crip Camp, The Post and Whale Rider

9. Just Mercy

Based on the true story of Harvard Law School graduate Bryan Stevenson’s move to Alabama where he recognizes an urgent need to provide free legal assistance to minorities who have been unfairly sentenced. Our Just Mercy Curriculum Guide & Student Learning Guide (for high school) is a powerful tool for exploring racial inequity in the US criminal justice system. Just Mercy won multiple awards, including the BET Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and the African American Film Critics Association Awards.

Promotional image featuring Michael B. Jordan for the film Just Mercy

8. Schindler’s List

In 2023 we launched a new improved Schindler’s List Curriculum Guide with a brand new antisemitism lesson (for high school) to teach with this powerful & inspiring Academy Award-winner.

Schindler's List 30th Anniversary Teaching Guide

7. Happy

Happy takes us on a journey from the swamps of Louisiana to the slums of Kolkata in search of what really makes people happy. Our Happy Curriculum Guide presents an opportunity to explore the psychology of happiness with your students, bolster social emotional learning (SEL) and so much more! (For grades 7-12.)

Happy film poster. Bright blue sky is the background with white clouds at the edges. The word Happy is large across the center in white fluffy letters, all capitalized. Below that, white text reads: A Documentary by Roko Belic. In the upper left-hand corner is a gold circle with the 7 inside.

6. Glossary of Film Terms

Our Glossary of Film Terms is useful for Film Literacy and Film Studies classes. It pairs well with our curriculum guides for Big Sonia, He Named Me Malala, Hidden Figures, Schindler’s List, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, The Music of Strangers, and The Post.

Bright yellow background. White text: Glossary of Film Terms. Slate board to the left of text. Gold circle with 6 inside it, bottom right.

5. Queen of Katwe

Based on the real life story of Phiona Mutei’s rise from the largest slum in Kampala, Uganda to become an international chess star on the world stage. Our Queen of Katwe Discussion Guide (for high school) inspires the next generation of chess players, high achievers and mentors. This hit Disney film directed by Mira Nair won four NAACP Image Awards.

Queen of Katwe movie poster

4. He Named Me Malala

This critically-acclaimed documentary explores the rise of Malala Yousafzai from a young BBC blogger in Pakistan to become the youngest Nobel Prize winner at age 17 for her human rights advocacy for gender equity in education for girls in Pakistan and around the world. Educators often pair our He Named Me Malala Curriculum Guide and Discussion Guide with her autobiography I Am Malala in ELA classes and Social Studies classes. Speech educators also use Lesson 7 as a fabulous stand alone lesson for examining Malala’s iconic Nobel Prize acceptance speech. (For grades 7-12.)

He Named Me Malala film poster: abstract art behind Malala that emulates a sunrise, a hot pink circle with a yellow circle band behind it and orange and pink shadings behind it. A large book splays open behind her as well, with pages spread out and a few pages lifting off like birds. Malala is a Pakistani young woman wearing a deep pink head scarf. She has brown hair and eyes. Text reads: He Named Me Malala.

3. Summer of Soul

Summer of Soul is a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record—about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. The film features concert footage of iconic 1960s Black musicians including Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, and The 5th Dimension. Our Summer of Soul Curriculum Guide (for grades 7-12) provides an engaging introduction to major events in Black history. This critically-acclaimed film won the 2022 Best Documentary Oscar.

Summer of Soul movie poster

2. The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

Based on the inspirational true story of William Kamkwamba. Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine. We offer a Curriculum Guide and a Discussion Guide for The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (for grades 7 to 12) that’s sure to inspire students about engineering, STEM careers, and high achievement. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s feature film directing debut won multiple awards including the Sundance Film Festival Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize.

Image with wheat stalks and text overlay that reads: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. Upper right: gold circle with number 2 in it.

1. Hidden Figures

Based on the triumphant true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson, three Black women mathematicians who worked in the 1960s NASA space program. Our Hidden Figures Curriculum Guide (for grades 7 to 12) explores the civil rights movement, the Cold War, and the space race. It’s a powerful tool to address gender equity in STEM fields while teaching across subjects. This hit Disney movie was nominated for three Academy Awards.

Cloud background. Text reads: Hidden Figures. Gold circle with a black 1 inside.

 

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