An Exploration of Minority Scientists, Physicians and Inventors

Purpose:
The purpose of this project is help students learn about the many minority scientists and inventors who have contributed to our scientific body of knowledge and to the well-being of all people. The focus is on people who studied biology and/or medicine, but there are some other scientists included.

Materials:

• Poster board
• Computers
• Internet connection
• Markers

Introduction to the Student:
A great variety of scientists have contributed to our body of knowledge about biology. Sometimes textbooks make it seem as if only a few scientists have been involved in the work of biological investigation but in fact, men and women from all over the world have researched and explored our natural world to try and understand how living things function. They have also searched for answers to human diseases and disorders and have invented devices to improve human health. This project is designed to help you learn about just a few of these interesting people.

Procedure:
STEP 1 - Research: You will research one scientist from the list that has been provided. Each student will research a different person. The internet will give you adequate information on each of the people listed; however, you should find at least two different sources. Be sure to keep track of the information you need for your bibliography. Try to find out the following facts about your scientists.

• Birth and possibly death dates.
• Ethnicity and gender.
• Where the person grew up and what their early life was like.
• Where the person went to school and what he or she studied.
• How they became a scientist.
• What their area of research or their contribution was/is.

STEP 2 - Project: After you get all of your information, you will prepare a “proposal” supporting your scientist for selection as Time Magazine Man or Woman of the Year. Your proposal should include:

• Basic biographical facts about your scientist – birth and death dates, place of birth, childhood experiences, education, career pathway, etc.
• A picture (scanned, downloaded, or hand-drawn).
• A list of reasons why this person should be given recognition on the cover of Time Magazine. (What significant contributions has this person made?)

Bibliography

You will present your project in the form of a poster advertisement. Your advertisement should include your proposed design for the Time Magazine cover showing the scientist you researched. Paste your bibliography to the back of the poster. Make sure your name is in the lower right hand corner of your poster.

Evaluation:
You will be evaluated on the following:

• Accuracy of information
• Depth of research
• Creativity of poster