Who do kids imagine when they hear the word ‘scientist’? The answers to this question can help us understand how well our cultures amplify, encourage, and expand access to science careers for kids and adults with diverse skin tones, genders, backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences.
Dr. Cassandra Extavour explains in this video: “The more different types of people children can see are able to do science, the more different types of children might think that they can also do science, might become interested in science.” These toolkits from I Am A Scientist can help.
“I Am A Scientist” is designed to encourage the next generation to consider and explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) careers. The goal is to ensure that students of all backgrounds and interests can see and connect with the relatable individuals behind groundbreaking scientific innovation while enabling teachers to change the narrative about what science is and who can do it.
The idea is simple: to ensure that every student has the opportunity to see themselves in science, and ultimately learns how to pursue a journey of their own.
Visit the site for digital downloads that amplify the stories and work of real world researchers.
Pair this with these growing women in STEM and Black and STEM video collections on TKSST, including these stories:
• Visiting a bear’s winter den with bear scientist Rae Wynn-Grant
• The Chemistry of Rockets: How do rockets work?
• Corina Newsome, Ambassador Animal Keeper
• What does a herpetologist do with a lizard once she’s caught it?
• The Courage To Invent: NASA Roboticist Dr. Ayanna Howard Tells Her Story
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