Inquiry Into Being A Scientist

This is part of a series of provocations on learner identities. Discussing what it means to be a scientist certainly lends itself more to inquiry, but it’s still a valuable step to purposefully take. After all, as long as we insist on rigid science fairs, some students may feel that they only qualify as scientists if the Scientific Method is in play (complete with a tri-fold board). Use the following resources to provoke thinking and discussion on what it really means to be a scientist! Resource #1: Why I Study Physics by Shixie Resource #2: Insight: From Migrant Farming to Mars via The Kid Should See This Resource #3: Patterns in Nature by National  Geographic Resource #4: Photography by Sebastião Salgado This photo series is awe-inspiring. Compilation via Ted-Ed. Resource #5: Tiny Perfect Things by M. H. Clark & Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Provocation Questions:

• What does it mean to be a scientist?
• What is the impact of seeing ourselves as scientists? (on ourselves, on our world?)
• What is our responsibility to be scientists?
• How does being a scientist relate to citizenship?
• What is the connection between exploration and being a scientist?
• What skills do scientists use?
• What tools do scientists use?

featured image: DeathToTheStockPhoto