Picture a Scientist—Diverse Role Models Show that Science is for Everyone

Abstract

Who do you picture when you think of the word “scientist”? Do you fit that image? Although science should be for everyone, some groups, including girls, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and more are often discouraged from becoming scientists. Research shows that girls in particular start to lose interest in pursuing science careers during middle school. But part of the problem for every group is that you cannot be what you cannot see. So how do we change who students picture as scientists? We tested whether a playful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) program that uses comic books, trading cards featuring a variety of female role models, games, and outdoor exploration could change students’ minds. Our data shows that after the In Their Eyes: Conservation + Comics program, more students think that girls can be scientists, too!