What Does a Scientist Look Like?

To examine stereotypes about scientists, expand understanding of what scientists might look like and what they do, and to consider whether you could be a scientist.

1. Imagine a scientist. Think about a scientist at work. What does the scientist look like? What is he or she wearing? Where are they working? What sort of equipment and tools does the scientist have to help in their work?

2. Draw your scientist. Take the scene you just imagined and draw it! Include the scientist, the work space, their equipment, and anything else you thought about. Be as detailed as you can!

3. Write about your scientist. Explain what your scientist is doing. What kind of scientist is he or she? Are they conducting an experiment? Observing something? Describe where your scientist is working as well.

4. Three descriptive words. Write down three words that come to mind when you complete the phrase “my scientist is _________.”

5. Share out. Share in your group or with your class a bit about your scientist and the three words you used to describe him or her. What does your scientist have in common with the scientists your classmates drew? How is yours different?

6. Compare yourself. Compare yourself to the scientists you and your classmates drew. Of the characteristics you and your classmates came up with to describe scientists, which do you think you possess? What would help you to become more like a scientist? Do you think there are scientists out there that are like you? If you could be any type of scientist, what would you be and why?