Famous People Who Changed the World — Fun History
Ada Lovelace, who lived in the 1800s, is considered the first ever computer programmer — long before computers existed!
Learn
- Ada Lovelace wrote notes about a calculating machine and described what we now call a computer program.
- Florence Nightingale helped make hospitals cleaner and saved many lives during the Crimean War in the 1850s.
- Mary Anning found amazing fossils on the beaches of Dorset. She discovered the first complete Ichthyosaurus skeleton when she was just 12.
- Emmeline Pankhurst led a campaign for women to be allowed to vote. All women got the vote in 1928.
Try These Questions
- Who is considered the first computer programmer?
Answer: Ada Lovelace
Hint: She lived in the 1800s. - What was Florence Nightingale known as?
Answer: The Lady with the Lamp
Hint: She cared for soldiers at night. - What did Emmeline Pankhurst fight for?
Answer: Women's right to vote
Hint: She led a campaign in Britain.
Research a Famous Person
- Choose one famous person from history who interests you.
- Find out when they lived, what they did, and why it mattered.
- Write a short biography (5-6 sentences) about them.
- Draw a picture of them or something connected to their work.
Safety: Use books or a trusted website with an adult.
Challenge Quiz
- Who is considered the first computer programmer?
Answer: Ada Lovelace - Who was known as the Lady with the Lamp?
Answer: Florence Nightingale - What did Mary Anning discover?
Answer: Dinosaur fossils - What did Emmeline Pankhurst campaign for?
Answer: Women's right to vote - When did all women get the vote in Britain?
Answer: 1928