Celebrities are in the news every day. They can be media stars, sports heroes, animals, and even politicians. Some people choose to follow these celebrities on social media. Your students have their favorites too, and maybe some of these celebrities are good examples and inspire their followers for the better.
One group of celebrities that your students may not be very aware of are science celebrities. Why would a high school student want to follow a scientist?!
Students that have aspirations for higher education, especially in medicine or science could be inspired by a successful scientist’s story. Why did they choose this field? What made them want to be a scientist? What important work are they a part of?
Students may want to know more about a topic that is of personal interest to them.
If they know someone with a health issue, they can find out what is being done and how it is being done to help people.
If they have concerns about the environment, they can find scientists who are working on solutions.
Students who are mathematically oriented can find out how that interest could be served in a career involving science.
Students may be surprised to find that scientists come from all walks of life; learning about scientists will show students that they can have a role to play in the search for knowledge that can help the planet and its inhabitants.
Scientists are on social media, television, podcasts, and other media. I have a lesson called Today’s Top Scientists: WebQuest with Student Presentations. Check it out for your students. Be sure to see the “Thank You” page for links to some of these celebrities’ social media.
Science is the study of the natural world where we all live. Going directly to the real experts can weed out misinformation. Learning about science empowers us by showing us what is available for our needs, what is vulnerable to our actions, and what can be done when people come together for solutions to natural world problems.
Happy Teaching
-Jane
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