Day 3: Scientific Identity

The second day of school I worked on the second half of the engineering design loop by having students finish their initial models, do a gallery walk, and then build a final model. Overall the paper tower activity took way more time than I expected, but was a fruitful experience. I even kept 3 towers as examples of creativity and design. I took a lot of pictures as well. 

Day 3 was more boring, but we worked on scientific identity. First I had students answer the question "Who does science?", then I had them draw a scientist. There was a bit of a disconnect between the two questions. I saw a lot of drawings of girls, but for the most part it was as to be expected. Old white men with glasses and lab coats. Then I asked a series of questions:

Is your scientist a boy? girl?

Does your scientist have messy hair? neat? is he bald?

Is your scientist wearing glasses? A lab coat?

Is your scientist old? Young?

Is your scientist white? Latino/Black?

The students raised their hands to respond to the question. I am happy to report that there was at least one from every single category in every class. And the results did skew to about what I would have expected. 

Then I showed a short powerpoint with minority scientists and went over the syllabus. I have no idea how I am going to keep track of the calls I will have to make tomorrow, but I am sure they will be plentyful. I hope the homework goes well. I also got to do the choices brainstorm with a couple classes, which is helpful to them in the long run. 

I am doing good with "Do Now's" so far. I hope to continue to do good with them.