Week 1

Interestingly we were asked, aligned with the text, to draw a picture of a scientist.  While I knew what the outcome of this assignment was, to see our stereotypes of scientists drawn out, I had to truthfully depict my first and foremost thought of a scientist on paper.  Not too my surprise, it is evident that I relate the gender male, old age, crazy hair, glasses, white lab coat, and the words, “genius” and “inventions” in my association of a scientist.  Likewise majority of my twenty classmates did the same.

(my drawing)

(pictures from the textbook)

In our text, students were instructed to do the same drawing, and as early as third grade, students too had this same stereotype of the “mad scientist”. (two pictures from the textbook displayed above)  Media plays a large role in this stereotypical association of scientist that many portray.  Unfortunately, there is not reasonable truth in this association.  We are all scientists.  A white lab coat, crazy hair, gender, age, or even glasses/goggles determine who scientists are. 

I would love to do this same drawing activity during the first week of school in order to eliminate any and all stereotypes my students have about scientists, the subject and even all subjects/professions for that matter.  I think this is a powerful and thought provoking task that can be effectively referred to throughout the school year as a symbol of truth and perseverance in all subjects.

I commit to living this gender-neutral non-stereotypical truth out every day and as an educator.  I would hope all students feel free to be whomever they wish and pursue any educational dream without bias. 

I look forward to this semester.  The experiments, teaching and observational experiences, readings and opportunities are all vital to a sound development as an educator.