Changing the Face of Science: Scientist Biography

Research Assignment

Project Objectives and Guiding Questions

Project Objectives:

• Appreciate that scientific knowledge is the result of human exploration and

investigation from all levels of humanity.

• Realize and recognize scientists can be and are from all genders, ethnicities,
religions, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Form a more realistic and humanistic image representing science and those
who influence science.

• Explain how the time period in which a scientist lives influences the
development of scientific discoveries and advancement.

• Understand how all subjects areas are related to each other inside and
outside of the classroom environment.

• Properly use and cite the internet as a reliable source for information.

• Communicate and collaborate with peers.

The questions below should be used to guide your research and in

developing the final pieces to your project.
Learning about the scientist
1. What events early in the scientist’s life might indicate or have sparked an
interest in science?
2. What role did mentors play in developing talents/interests?
3. What was the state of knowledge that existed in the areas of study when the
scientist entered the field?
4. What were the major accomplishments of the scientist, the methodologies
used and principals of science that were upheld?
5. What was the state of “the academy” of science and how did this impact the
scientist’s work?
6. What were the individual’s limitations as a scientist or as a person?

Learning about the context of the time

1. What were the prevalent philosophical and/or religious beliefs at the time?
2. How did the individual’s ideas fit with or differ from the beliefs in the last
question?
3. What major cultural, economic, and political situations were taking places at
the time of the person’s work?
4. What artists, musicians, and writers were working at the same time and in
the same country as the person?
5. What were the basic demographics of the country during the time the person
was working?
6. How were gender and class roles defined during this time frame?
Original Questions from Kettle (2005)

“The questions encouraged them to break away from a sterile chronology of dates
and delve into personal anecdotes that explored the humanity of their scientist, as
well as the processes involved in creative productivity:

1. What events early in the scientist’s life might indicate, or have sparked, an
interest in science and technology?

2. What role did mentors play in developing the interests and talents of the
scientist?

3. What was the state of knowledge that existed in the area of study when the
scientist entered the field?

4. How did the major cultural, economic and political situations of the time
impact on the person’s work?

5. What were the major accomplishments of the scientist, the methodologies

used and the principles of science that were upheld?

6. What key opportunities provided turning points in the individual’s life?

7. What personal choices did the scientist make to construct his/her success?

8. What personal anecdotes best illustrate the characteristics of the individual

necessary for his/her success?

9. What hardships or roadblocks did the individual overcome (due to their

gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.)?

10.What were the individual’s limitations as a scientist or as a person? “

Works Cited
Kettle, K. (2005). Science with a human touch: historical vignettes in the teaching
and learning of science. In S. B. Alsop, Analyzing Exemplary Science Teaching (pp.
38-45).