Covering scientist biographies is part of the lower elementary (K-3) NGSS science standards.
While the NGSS itself is focused on disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices, the inclusion of scientist biographies is a critical component of the "Nature of Science" and "Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science" threads that are woven throughout the standards.
Covering biographies in lower elementary serves several key purposes.
- Humanizing Science: It shows students that science is a human endeavor performed by a diverse range of people, including women and people from various backgrounds. This makes science feel more accessible and relatable.
- Modeling Practices: Stories about scientists like Jane Goodall (observation) or George Washington Carver (experimentation) provide real-world examples of the science and engineering practices outlined in the NGSS. Students see how asking questions and conducting investigations lead to discoveries.
- Introducing Concepts: A biography of a figure like Mae Jemison can introduce the concept of space, while one of Jacques Cousteau can spark a unit on ocean habitats. The stories provide an engaging entry point for scientific content.
- Inspiring Innovation: Learning about inventors like Thomas Edison or Marie Van Brittan Brown (home security system) connects science to engineering and technology, showing how discoveries solve problems and improve our lives.
In essence, scientist biographies are not an add-on but a vital tool for achieving the broader goals of the standards by fostering scientific literacy, curiosity, and a sense that students themselves can be scientists.
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