(Exploring perception and stereotypes)
Time Necessary: 35 minutes
Grade Level: 5th or 6th grade
Objectives:
Children will be able to explain the reasons that they drew the scientist the way they did. ( ex. Exposure to the media)
Children will be able to recognize the fact that they have stereotypes in science and that it extends to other areas.
Children will be able to come up with other occupations in which science is used.
Rationale:
Meeting these objectives are important in order to meet the curriculum requirements set forth by Altoona Central Catholic Middle School. I am teaching the lesson in this way because this is the format that is to be used at my participating school.
Materials:
Teacher:
Students:
Transition/Motivation:
I will gain their attention by asking them to tell me what they think a research project is. I will tell them that what they are doing is the same project that students of all ages across the United States did. This activity should not need too much encouragement because it consists of drawing which most children enjoy.
Lesson Sequence:
1. Ask students what they already know about research projects.
2. Discuss the concept of a research project and provide examples that the children would be familiar with. For example the research project could be a study of the lunch foods or a simple survey.
3. Explain that the activity they are participating in is the research project that was conducted across the U.S. and that the purpose of the study will be explained later.
4. Hand out paper and instruct students that they are to remain silent during this activity and to use only their own thoughts.
5. Tell students to draw what they think a scientist doing science would look like and to label and explain what is taking place in the picture.
6. After the students are done with the first picture tell them to draw a picture on the opposite side of them (the students) doing science.
7. Have students fill out checklist according to whether or not the item was present in their scientist drawing.
8. Tally results and percentages with class.
9. Compare the class percentages with the national numbers and the numbers from the other sections of class.
10. Explain to the class that the reason the project was done was to examine stereotypes; specifically those related to science.
11. Ask if anyone can define stereotype.
12. Where do you think these stereotypes come from?
13. Ask the students to take five minutes and think of other occupations that involve science therefore making them scientists. This serves to see if the children actually grew as a result of the lesson and changed their views.
14. Explain that these stereotypes are caused by the environment they are in and that they need to be aware of them.
Ending the Lesson:
Tell the children that they have been made aware of their stereotypes but they are the ones who have to uncover their other stereotypes and act on them.
Transition to the next Lesson
Have the children write for homework another stereotype they may have and how it could be corrected.
Pupil Evaluation:
I will know if the students reach the objectives if they are able to come up with other occupations that involve science and are able to explain what may have caused their stereotypes.
Total # of students involved in study____________
# males___________________ #females__________________
Grade Level_______________
Stereotypic Image:
1. Lab coat (usually white but not necessarily)_______________
2. Eyeglasses _______________
3. Facial Hair (Beard, Mustache, Sideburns) _______________
4. Scientific Instruments, Lab equipment, etc _______________
5. Symbols of Knowledge (Books, Pens, etc.) _______________
6. Technology ( TV's, computers, telephones)_______________
7. Captions _______________
8. Male Gender Only _______________
9. Caucasian (White only) _______________
10. Middle aged or elderly scientist _______________
11. Mythic stereotypes (Frankenstein etc) _______________
12. Indications of secrecy ("Keep out signs) _______________
13. Scientists working indoors _______________
14. Indications of Danger _______________