Life of a Scientist Projects
We need very much a name to describe a cultivator of science in
general. I should incline to call him a scientist.
--William Whewell (First written use of the term "Scientist,"
1840)
Project 1: Depicting the Life of a Scientist
Before viewing the video, have students create a comic strip or play
depicting a day or week in the life of an imaginary scientist. Suggest that
students include events that they think might occur during both working
hours and leisure hours.
Project 2: Making Discoveries
Ask students to make journal entries about a discovery they have made.
Suggest that they answer questions such as: What was the discovery? How
was it made? What are the students going to do with that discovery? Is the
discovery useful in everyday life or does it apply only to special situations?
What is the impact of the discovery?
Project 3: Sharing Information
Have students model the process of presenting scientific information
at conferences or through articles that are published in science journals.
Suggest that students look through articles in different science journals
to see what type of information is included, such as hypotheses, research,
and conclusions. Then ask groups of students to present to the class a discovery
they have made or the results of an investigation.
Project 4: Identifying Solutions
Brainstorm with the class to identify different problems that society
faces today. Then have teams of students choose one problem from the list.
Have each team identify the knowledge (science) and application of that
knowledge (technology) which might have contributed to the problem and which
is being, or could be, used to solve the problem.
Project 5: Perceiving Stereotypes
Before viewing the video, brainstorm with the class to create a master
list of stereotypes about scientists (such as, they all wear white coats,
are nerds, play with beakers and bubbling concoctions, or are men). Then
have students view the video and/or interview scientists from the community.
Ask students to compare and contrast their findings with the list of stereotypes.
Have students discuss the origin of and the reasons for the stereotypes.
Project 6: Changing Opportunities
Assign small groups of students to do research to answer the following
questions: How many women and minorities are represented in various scientific
fields? Compare the ages and the percentages of women and minorities in
science before 1960 and after 1985. What do these comparisons show? Compare
and contrast the trends in hiring women and minorities before and after
affirmative action policies began.
Project 7: Applying Science
To explore the impact of science and technology on everyday life, have
students keep a journal for a day that lists everything they use, consume,
or encounter that has been influenced by science and technology. Then have
students use their lists to write a story or put on a play that shows what
society might be like without science and technology.
Science Career Projects
Thinking Like a Scientist Activities
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Resource Book Index: On Becoming a Scientist
