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Marie Curie was a renowned scientist and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She was born in Poland in 1867 and later moved to France, where she conducted groundbreaking research on radioactivity. Curie’s discoveries, including the elements polonium and radium, revolutionized the field of physics and paved the way for advancements in medical imaging and cancer treatment. Despite facing discrimination as a woman in a male-dominated field, Curie’s dedication and brilliance made her one of the most influential scientists of her time. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers.
Do you have aspirations for the future? Does it appear unattainable at the moment? Maybe you ponder if you’ll ever achieve your goal.
If that’s the case, don’t lose hope. You share a lot in common with one of the most renowned scientists in history. Who are we referring to? Marie Curie, of course!
In 1867, Maria Sklodowska was born in Warsaw, Poland. She was a smart and inquisitive child who excelled in school. However, at the time, the University of Warsaw did not accept female students. Nevertheless, this did not deter young Maria! Instead, she pursued education in secret. She attended informal classes held in various locations, known as the “Floating University.”
In 1891, the woman who would eventually become known as Marie Curie journeyed to Paris. There, she enrolled at the Sorbonne, a university that did not discriminate. Over the next few years, she earned advanced degrees in physics and mathematics. It was also during this time that she met French physicist Pierre Curie. The two married in 1895.
Marie and Pierre collaborated closely over the following decade. Marie’s most significant discoveries came from her research on uranium rays. She believed that these rays originated from the atomic structure of the element. Curie coined the term “radioactivity” to describe the phenomena she observed. Her findings laid the foundation for the field of atomic physics.
Together, the Curies studied the mineral pitchblende. Through their experiments, they uncovered a new radioactive element. Marie named it polonium as a tribute to her homeland, Poland. They later also discovered the element radium.
In 1903, Marie and Pierre Curie were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in physics. Marie became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. That same year, she also became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. from a French university. After Pierre passed away in 1906, Marie assumed his teaching position at the Sorbonne. She became the first female professor at the institution.
In 1911, Curie became the first person, regardless of gender, to win a second Nobel Prize. This time, she was honored for her contributions to the field of chemistry. Curie’s scientific reputation extended worldwide. In fact, she was invited to attend the Solvay Congress in Physics, where she joined other notable scientists of the era, including Albert Einstein.
When World War I began in 1914, Marie utilized her scientific knowledge to aid France’s war efforts. She played a role in developing portable X-ray machines for use in the field. The medical vehicles that transported these machines became known as “Little Curies.”
Marie Curie never anticipated the toll her work would take on her health. She passed away in France in 1934 due to advanced leukemia caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. To this day, Curie’s notebooks remain too radioactive to handle safely. They are stored in lead-lined boxes in France.
Marie Curie left behind a remarkable legacy of achievement and scientific curiosity. Her daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, followed in her footsteps and received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1935, one year after her mother’s death.
In 1995, the remains of Marie and Pierre Curie were laid to rest in the Panthéon in Paris. This is the final resting place of France’s most esteemed citizens. Marie Curie became the first woman to be interred there solely based on her own merits.
Give It a Try
We trust that this Wonder of the Day has sparked your imagination! Explore more about Marie Curie by engaging in the following activities with a companion:
- It is truly unfortunate that Marie Curie’s demise was likely a result of her groundbreaking scientific work. It took some time for scientists to realize the hazards of radioactive materials. Gain some perspective by examining this Radioactive Science Kit from the 1950s, which was once sold in the United States. Can you fathom such a kit being sold in today’s world? What other popular items from the past have been deemed unsafe in subsequent years? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Feeling motivated by Marie Curie’s story? Why not delve deeper into her life? Explore these Kids Books about Marie Curie that are sure to inspire your little scientist. Choose one or two books that catch your interest. Afterwards, seek assistance from an adult to locate them at your local library.
- Marie Curie possessed immense ambition to achieve her goals and dreams. What is one of your future goals? What obstacles do you anticipate encountering, and how can you overcome them to reach your goal? Writing down your goal often proves helpful! Take some time to jot down your goal and formulate a plan. You can include a timeline for achieving your goal, an explanation of why this goal is so significant to you, and even a few contingency plans in case things don’t go as planned. Once you are finished, share what you have written with a friend or family member.
References
- http://www.biography.com/people/marie-curie-9263538 (accessed 27 Jan. 2022)
- http://www.biography.com/news/marie-curie-biography-facts (accessed 27 Jan. 2022)
- www.learnersdictionary.com (accessed 27 Jan. 2022)
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