Diversity in Classrooms
It’s so important for kids to see themselves represented in a variety of different career paths. That includes learning about the diversity of people who work in conservation and nature. There are so many ways to incorporate more representation into the classroom- whether you introduce a new expert’s voice into a larger topic or focus fully on a scientist and their work, we have a number of examples and lesson prompts to get you started!
Dr. Rae Wynn Grant gets to be really close and cuddly with her research subjects! Photo by Rae Wynn Grant (raewynngrant.com)
Dr. Rae Wynn Grant
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be inside a bear den or hold a newborn cub? Pretend to be a bear scientist like Dr. Rae Wynn Grant and learn about all the steps these scientists take to safely learn about these amazing animals.
Get more context to what Dr. Grant does in this presentation about hibernation: ppt link (Hibernation)
Kids will have a blast taking measurements and recording data from their “cub” peers! Photo by Carolyn Byers
Learn more about the importance of bears in the ecosystem in this presentation about how bears and salmon feed the forest: ppt link (Salmon, Bears, Forests, Mountains)
Watch a short video of Dr. Grant speaking about her research: Meet A Bear Scientist (YouTube)
Check out this document outlining how you can have your students pretend to be a real bear scientist: Be A Bear Scientist (pdf)
Dr. Earyn McGee
Who wouldn’t want to take a selfie with lizard? Photo by Earyn McGee (earynmcgee.com)
Are you curious about the lives of reptiles? So is Dr. Earyn McGee! Learn all about the importance of reptiles in an ecosystem and their spectacular camoflauge.
Watch this short video to learn about Dr. McGee and how she lassos lizards for her research: Lassoing Lizards with Earyn McGee | Mission Unstoppable (YouTube)
Check out this presentation to learn about Dr. McGee and play Find That Lizard: ppt link
looking for more?
Do you need a jumping off point for more scientists with diverse backgrounds? Check out our Nature Mentor series to meet tons of cool scientists to inspire your own lessons!
