Black History on the Screen: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Always spurring innovation, the skills of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are essential for furthering our society. From the invention of the traffic light to pioneering a new heart surgery for children, Black scientists, mathematicians, technologists, and engineers have been vital in advancing their fields. The movies and TV shows on this list honor the work that has been furthered by Black innovators. After you've finished watching, spark a discussion with your kids about the significant advancements made by Black contributors and the importance of them receiving credit for their work. And when you're done here, come back to discover more Black history in dance, games, and sports; arts, business, and culture; and activism, civics, and social justice.

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Garrett's Gift Poster Image
MOVIE

Garrett's Gift

age 5+

Smart animation introduces African-American inventor.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
Woman in Motion Poster Image
MOVIE

Woman in Motion

age 8+

Docu about role model Nichelle Nichols inspires, delights.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Your Attention Please Poster Image
TV

Your Attention Please

age 8+

Unapologetic tour of Afro-aesthetics; fab docu for all.

Network: Hulu (2020)
Hidden Figures Poster Image
MOVIE

Hidden Figures

age 10+

Inspiring true story of African American women at NASA.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2016)
Hello World Poster Image
MOVIE

Hello World

age 11+

Tech documentary gently tackles racial, gender inequality.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Poster Image
MOVIE

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

age 12+

Superb true tale of remarkable teen; some violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Concussion Poster Image
MOVIE

Concussion

age 13+

Football is the villain in earnest but predictable drama.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Poster Image
MOVIE

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

age 15+

Real-life tearjerker shows how lies hurt, truth heals.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Rob Peace movie poster: A collage of key characters' faces above a scene of two characters holding hands
MOVIE

Rob Peace

age 15+

Powerful drama tugs at heartstrings, has drug use, swearing.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2024)
See You Yesterday Poster Image
MOVIE

See You Yesterday

age 15+

Teens travel back in time; violence, language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
Something the Lord Made Poster Image
MOVIE

Something the Lord Made

age 15+

Black man becomes heart surgery pioneer; language, violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2004)