Science Careers

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Science Careers (1:26)

“Girls should study science because science is knowledge, and we all know that saying, “Knowledge is power.” I believe that studying science empowers you.”

Role models in order of appearance: Latoya Simmons, Alita Anderson, MD, Marsenia Harrison, Mallory Lefland, Marlena Jackson, Erica Bozeman, Ph.D., Celia Dominguez, Ph.D., and Sylvia Norman, Ph.D.

Quick Start

1) When you think of working in a science career, what images pop into your mind? How can you know for sure what a particular science career might really be like?

2) Successful women scientists are all around us! If you were able to meet and greet a successful woman scientist, what questions would you ask her?

3) In the video, we learned that a career in science prepares you to explore the wonders of life. What life wonders would you like to explore? Explain your answer.

4) The video reminds us that when it comes to science, there are always new things to learn about. What new scientific discoveries have taken place in your lifetime?

5) Two scientist role models in the video said that girls are needed in science because they bring a different perspective to scientific efforts. That means girls see things in a different way. When it comes to scientific explorations, how might girls and boys see things differently? Why do you think that is the case?

6) In the video, we learn that a science career can lead to many other career choices. For example, a scientist might enjoy teaching science to others. What other careers would you like to explore that are related to a science career?

7) A career in science can help people in your community live better lives. Name some ways science experts in your community are helping change people’s lives for the better.

Video Transcript

Girls should study science because science is knowledge, and we all know that saying, “Knowledge is power.” I believe that studying science empowers you.

Science is– it’s an opportunity to explain life’s wonders.

There’s always new discoveries, new things to learn about.

Girls have a place in math and science, and we bring a different perspective to the room. A much-needed perspective.

There are no limitations on what a girl can do if she pursues a career in science. So we look at economic empowerment. We look at educational empowerment. I think a science career actually can lead to many potential career choices.

As women, we have a unique perspective and a unique sense of creativity that could really be instrumental in these monumental medical as well as scientific breakthroughs.

The creativity and the curiosity is actually a key component, because discoveries and advances in science do not happen without that creativity.

So it’s a very rewarding career to have. And it also teaches you to be confident, and it teaches you to be persistent.

Be a role model and a support to your community. You can actually change your community through science. Imagine that.

Discussion Guide

Independent Learning Guide: This all-purpose guide can be used by educators, parents, and mentors to jumpstart a lively discussion about careers in science.

Classroom Lesson Plan

Girls hear a lot about empowerment. What does this word mean to you? If science isn’t part of your definition, the role models in this video might make you reconsider!

Classroom Lesson Plan: This step-by-step lesson plan is available to guide a more in-depth “before, during, and after” learning experience when viewing the video with students. This lesson plan is also suitable for use in after-school programs and other educational settings.

Empowerment Activities

Use Empowerment Activities as a fun way to reinforce the video topic and build community with your students.

Related Empowerment Activities:

Fun Page Activity

Fun Page Activity: Boost your knowledge of careers in science with an activity that matches career descriptions to the scientists in the video.