C:\Fakepath\Images Of Science

Images of Science

4.1.1

Observe and describe that scientific investigations generally work the same way in different places.

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.php?BenchmarkID=1&DocID=118

Definition

Collage: a creative work, made of various materials, and glued onto a surface

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The image of science that most students think of when asked to describe a scientist portrays a bearded man, wearing a white lab coat, working alone in a laboratory. Although, this image is far from the truth!! Science involves many different types of men AND women, pursuing different sciences, and working in different places. Some scientists use huge instruments, while others use only notebooks and pencils. Most importantly, performing science involves more than “scientists,” and there are many different occupations that are part of the scientific enterprise.

Brainstorming

Describe the “science” behind each of the following pictures:

Development

Look at the magazines provided for pictures that are related to science

Cut out the pictures and paste them onto a blank piece of paper

Create a title for your collage

Questions:

Why did you select the pictures you used?

Look at the other collages. Compare your selections with those of the other students.

What does your selection say about how you think of science?

Draw a Scientist

Create a mental picture of what you think a scientist looks like.

Draw a picture of that scientist at work.

Questions:

Did you draw a male or female scientist? Describe the setting in which your

scientist is working. What kind of work is he or she doing? Compare your pictures with those of the

other students. Were the pictures similar or different?

Reading Read a few of the print-outs about

diverse scientists around the world. After reading, decide whether what you

have read has changed your thinking about what a scientist looks like.

SCIENCE in the News!!

Examine the newspapers provided and look for stories that are related to science.

These stories could be about health, medicine, new technology, weather, or space exploration, to name a few.

Select 3 different stories to share.

Questions:

Why did you select the articles you used?

How easy was it to find stories about science?

Which science or health topics were easiest to find? Which were hardest?

Are any science experts quoted in the story? If so, what did they say?

Assessment

Write a paragraph supporting the following statement:

“Doing science involves many different kinds of work and engages men and women of all ages and backgrounds.”