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.
This list features affiliate links.
Category 1: Matter and Energy
Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet
Category 2: Force, Motion, and Energy
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
Burn: Michael Faraday’s Candle
Clang: Ernst Chladni’s Sound Experiment
Whoosh: Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaking Stream of Inventions
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
Scott Kelly: My Journey to the Stars
Category 4: Organisms and Environments
Genetics Expert Joanna L. Kelley
A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver
Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau
Archaeology: Cool Women Who Dig
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With the Chimps
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.
Sign up for the Free Resource Library
This is an exclusive library of 40+ science printables, labs, activities, and games for grades 3-6. Sign up and check your email for immediate access.
3 thoughts on “Scientists and Science Careers”
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
Hi Pat! Definitely check out Science in a Snap!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Science-in-a-Snap-Bundle-3294277
Good luck in your new position!
Ari
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?