Scientists and Science Careers

Science TEKS 3.3C, 4.3C, and 5.3C ask students to connect grade-level appropriate science concepts with the history of science, science careers, and contributions of scientists.

Science TEKS 6.3D asks students to relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content.

One of my favorite ways to address this standard all year long while also inspiring students is through read-alouds and a robust classroom library. It’s important to make sure representation is diverse and many interesting careers and historical stories are mentioned.

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Category 1: Matter and Energy

Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet

Chemists at Work

Food Scientist

On a Beam of Light

 

Category 2: Force, Motion, and Energy

Now and Ben

The Marvelous Thing That Came from a Spring: The Accidental Invention of the Toy That Swept the Nation

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

Burn: Michael Faraday’s Candle

Clang: Ernst Chladni’s Sound Experiment

Papa’s Mechanical Fish

Whoosh: Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel

 

Category 3: Earth and Space

Mars Science Lab Engineer Diana Trujillo

Aerospace Engineer Aprille Ericsson

Meteorology: Cool Women Who Weather Storms

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea

Climate Scientist

Hydrologist

Geologists at Work

Hidden Figures

Mae Among the Stars

Scott Kelly: My Journey to the Stars

 

Category 4: Organisms and Environments

Genetics Expert Joanna L. Kelley

Urban Biologist Danielle Lee

A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau

Archaeology: Cool Women Who Dig

Tree Lady

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures

Shark Lady

The Sky Painter

Stone Girl Bone Girl

Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With the  Chimps

Seeds of Change

Follow the Moon Home

Wangari’s Trees of Peace

 

 

Classroom Resources

Looking for an easy way for students to explore science careers?

Try Digital Inquiry for Nature of Science. There are 4 Digital Inquiry activities to helps students learn more about the career opportunities in physical science, earth science, life science, and engineering. They’ll also learn about how young people like themselves are already exploring careers through citizen science.

See it on TpT: Nature of Science and Careers DI

If you are an upper elementary Texas teacher, you will LOVE these TEKS-aligned science resources.

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3 thoughts on “Scientists and Science Careers”

  1. Ari. I have taught 5th science for ten years. Love it. New principal. New shakeup. I am now in second and want to insure high quality science. Suggestions please. Pat

    Reply
  2. Hi Pat! I love, love, love, science! I am new to 2nd grade this year and I know they do hatch chicken eggs, and do butterfly life cycle with caterpillars. I want to keep them engaged all year. What can I read, use, or do to have the most awesome science curriculum ever?

    Reply

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