If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

READ: Dr. Wu and the Left-Handed Universe – Graphic Biography

Chien-Shiung Wu is today known as the “First Lady of Physics.” Yet, many people don’t know her name. She broke barriers and disproved one of the fundamental laws of physics.
The Graphic Biography below uses “Three Close Reads”. If you want to learn more about this strategy, click here.

Reading 1: Skimming for gist

This will be your quickest read. It should help you get the general idea of what the graphic biography will be about. Pay attention to the title, headings, images, and layout. Ask yourself: what is this graphic biography going to be about?

Reading 2: Understanding content

For this reading, you should be looking for unfamiliar vocabulary words, the major claim and key supporting details, and analysis and evidence. You should also spend some time looking at the images and the way in which the page is designed.
By the end of the second close read, you should be able to answer the following questions:
  1. What were some challenges Chien-Shiung Wu faced as she became a physicist? How did she overcome these challenges?
  2. What does this comic mean by saying the Universe is “left-handed”? What role did Wu play in this discovery?
  3. Why was Wu’s 1956 experiment important to collective learning?
  4. Looking at just the images in this comic, what information does the artist tell you with the art?

Reading 3: Evaluating and Corroborating

In this read, you should use the graphic biography as evidence to support, extend, or challenge claims made in the course.
At the end of the third read, you should be able to respond to these questions:
  1. Had you heard about Chien-Shiung Wu before reading this comic? Why do you think someone like Wu isn't featured in more of the big stories about collective learning?
Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to read! Remember to return to these questions once you’ve finished reading.

Dr. Wu and the Left-Handed Universe (Graphic Biography)

Writer: Bennett Sherry
Artist: Kay Shohini
Chien-Shiung Wu is today known as the “First Lady of Physics.” Yet, many people don’t know her name. She broke barriers and disproved one of the fundamental laws of physics.
Download the Graphic Biography PDF here or click on the image above.

Want to join the conversation?