KBLOG 44. Charles Henry Turner, an African American Scientist, who Teachers and Students Should Know About!
The Challenge:
As expressed in KBLOG 43 there are many influential and important African American scientists who we do not know about and who have had an unadvertised impact on our society. One African American man, in who can serve as a role model to both teachers and students is Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923). Dr. Charles Abramson a comparative-physiological psychologist at Oklahoma State University introduced me to Dr. Turner. Dr. Turner is a role model to me for two main reasons, he was a pioneer in insect behavior, particularly making some major novel discoveries in honeybee color vision (I am a beekeeper) and he was a high school science teacher, as I am. Besides being a prolific science writer (writing over 70 research articles), Dr. Turner authored articles advocating for education and discussing social issues especially with respect to African Americans. His experimental logic and designs were elegant and insightful, even his high school students participated in his work. Why not introduce this great scientist, educator and civil rights leader to your students, he is an inspiration and role model.
A Solution:
Some Highlights
· Born in Cincinnati Feb 3, 1867
· High School Valedictorian
· Received B.S. from the University of Cincinnati (1892)
· First African American to earn M.S. from the University of Cincinnati (1892)
· First African American to publish in the Journal of Science (1892)
· Professor of Biology and Department Chair, Clark University, Atlanta (1893-1905)
· Received Ph.D. in Zoology University of Chicago, “The Homing of Ants: An Experimental Study of Ant Behavior” (1907)
· Teaching at Sumner High School, St. Louis, Missouri, (1908-1922)
· Died on Feb. 14, 1923, in Chicago, IL
Below there are some articles and websites about Dr. Charles Turner there are also links to two excellent books for young people. These books are packed with information and activities that emulate the work that Dr. Turner did. You never know you may ignite a student’s biology career through Dr. Turner’s legacy. If you would like to get more details or have questions or want someone to speak to a group about Dr. Turner you can contact Dr. Charles Abramson (charles.abramson@okstate.edu), Oklahoma State University.
Resources:
https://psychology.okstate.edu/museum/turner/turnerintro.html - Charles Abramson’s website about Charles Henry Turner
https://tinyurl.com/turnerants - Copy of Turner’s PhD
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ns-19.466.16 - First publication in Journal Science
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michael-elsohn-ross/bug-watching-with-charles-henry-turner/ - Bug Watching with Charles Henry Turner (for young readers)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/janice-n-harrington/buzzing-with-questions/ -Buzzing with Questions, The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner (for Young Readers)
