Marie Sklodowska Curie
by Georgie
Childhood
Marie Sklodowska was born in 1867. Later she became known as the famous Marie Curie. In her childhood, she was known as "Manya". She was the youngest of five children. Her sisters were Zosia, Bronya, and Hela. She had just one brother, Jozio.
Manya's father was a professor of mathematics and physics. Her mother ran a school for girls.
Manya went to Warson's Pension Sikorska, a private school for girls. She was the brightest student.
Becomes Student at the University of Paris
Between 1885 and 1889, Manya worked as a governess. She wanted to study physics at the University of Paris, at the Sorbonne. But she sent most of her earnings to Bronya and her husband, who were medical students in Paris.
Becomes Student at the Sorbonne
In November 1891 Manya registered as Marie Sklodowska and became a student of physics at the Sorbonne. Marie was the only woman at the Sorbonne.
Hired to do Study on the Magnetic Properties of Steel
In 1894, Marie, now twenty-seven, was hired to do a study of the magnetic properties of steel. Since she had no laboratory, a Polish friend introduced her to Pierre Curie, who provided her with one. A year later, Pierre and Marie were married.
Had Daughters
In 1897, Marie had her first child, her daughter Irene. In 1904, she had her second daughter, Eve.
Wins Nobel Prize
In November 1903, the Nobel Prize was given to Antoine Henri Becquerel and Pierre and Marie Curie.
Pierre Appointed Professor at the Sorbonne
In 1904, Pierre was appointed full professor at the Sorbonne.
Pierre's Accident
In 1906, Pierre fell under the wheels of a horse-drawn wagon, in Paris, and was instantly killed. Marie replaced him at the Sorbonne, but was only an assistant professor. Still, she was the first woman to teach at the Sorbonne.
Marie Appointed Professor at the Sorbonne
Marie continued to work on radioactive elements. In 1908, she was promoted to full professor.
Marie and Irene Go to Battlefield
In 1914, Europe became part of a world war. Marie took Irene to the battlefields of France with a truck loaded with X-ray and radium therapy equipment. They set up their equipment and used it to locate shrapnel in the torn flesh in thousands of soldiers. Marie and Irene saved many lives. They also taught American and British allies how to use the equipment.
Marie Elected to French Academy of Medicine
In 1922, Marie was elected to the French Academy of Medicine for her contributions to radiological medicine.
Marie visits United States
In 1929, Marie visited the United States. She was honored by almost every notable American institution and personage. She was honored by Warren G. Harding and Herbert C. Hoover. She was also given a gram of radium worth $100,000.
Marie's Death
In 1934, Marie Sklodowska Curie, plagued by a variety of ailments that she suspected were the result of exposure to radium, died of radiation poisoning.
Marie Sklodowska Curie was an amazing person in history. She was one of the first women to accomplish many, many scientific discoveries. And for that she was famous.
Time line:
1867 Born
1876 Older sister dies of typhus.
1978 Mother dies of tuberculosis.
1891 Became a student at Sorbonne, in Paris, France.
1894 Meets Pierre Curie.
Does study on the magnetic properties of steel.
1895 Marries Pierre.
1896 Becomes interested in glowing rays.
1897 Daughter Irene is born.
1900- 1906 Teaches physics at Sevres Higher Normal School for Girls.
1902 Isolates pure radium for the first time.
Father dies
1903 Shares the Nobel Prize in physics with Pierre.
1904 Daughter Eve is born.
1906 Pierre is killed in an accident.
1908 Appointed full professor at the Sorbonne.
1911 Awarded Nobel Prize in chemistry.
1934 Dies of radiation poisoning in Sancellemoz, France.