Who is an Engineer or Scientist? STEM Career Game & Activity
Everyone knows that engineers are nerdy guys with glasses and scientists always have crazy hair! Help students break down the stereotypes around STEM careers by showing them that anyone, including them, can be an engineer or scientist!
Grades: PreK - 9th
Teaching Duration: 3 days
“This resource was a good jump start to get my after school STEM club thinking about engineers. ”
lesson overview
Who is a STEM professional? Who is a scientist? Who is an engineer?
Everyone knows that engineers are nerdy guys with glasses and scientists always have crazy hair! Help students break down the stereotypes around STEM careers by showing them that anyone, including them, can be an engineer or scientist!
The game and activities in this packet will uncover your students’ misconceptions and highlight real living scientists and engineers that might not fit their stereotypes. Printed and digital versions provided!
The product includes:
"Am I Scientist Or Engineer?" Game on editable Google Slides with 18 professionals featured
Draw a scientist and engineer activity
Research a scientist and engineer activity
Digital & printed handouts
Reflection questions to discuss stereotypes around STEM
Extension resources
The recommended activity sequence for upper elementary and middle school:
Activity 1 - Uncover stereotypes: Students will first draw what they think a STEM professional looks like and describe common characteristics.
Am I a Scientist or Engineering Game: An editable slideshow for teachers to have students guess if each person pictured is a scientist, engineer, or neither.
Activity 2 - Research & Reflect: Students research a scientist and engineer and reflect on whether physical traits can determine a STEM professional.
Version for PreK - 3rd grade: An alternative version is provided where students draw what they think a scientist and engineer looks like. Teachers then place a photo of the student under "what a scientist and engineer actually look like!" Perfect for a STEM bulletin board!
