Freebie! Great Scientists

I look forward to Tuesdays because it's the day that my favorite section of the New York Times newspaper arrives on my driveway - the Science Times! This week's Science Times was devoted to a discussion on math & science education in the United States. An interesting fact from one of the articles: "Women constitute half the nation's work force but just a quarter of its scientific corps".  Why aren't more women choosing careers in science? I have been teaching PK - 5 science for 20 years and my "informal research" shows that young boys & girls are equally interested & enthusiastic about science & hands-on discovery. According to the nonprofit group Science Club for Girls, 29% of male college students major in math & science, but only 15% of female students major in those fields. Why is this? Many theories abound one of which is we need more female scientist role models. When I ask my  students to draw a scientist, inevitably almost 95% draw a person who looks either like Albert Einstein or Bill Nye the Science Guy! Our children need to know that anyone can be a scientist! I use this slide show to discuss great scientists with my students. Click on any slide below to pick up a copy for free at my TpT store!

I am so excited about the new Lego figurine - a female scientist! Yay!!

If you live in the NY area - the Maker Faire (makerfaire.com) will be held on Sept. 21 & 22. I have never been but it sounds awesome! From their website, Maker Faire is "Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned."

That's a busy weekend for me but I am going to make every effort to attend! I am dying to try Little Bits with my students & I would love to see how they are used. Please let me know if you've used Little Bits or attended a Maker Faire - I would love to hear your reviews!