RICE Web Adventures: Cool Science Careers

Career Word Cloud: Display a word cloud of science careers (e.g., biologist, physicist, chemist) on a whiteboard/projector. Ask students: "What do you think of when you hear the term 'science career'?"

• • Allow students to share answers aloud or via sticky notes.
  • Briefly introduce the concept of specialized careers in science, such as epidemiologist, neuropsychologist, toxicologist, neurobiologist, and neuroradiologist.

Think-Pair-Share:  

• • Prompt: "Have you ever thought of working in science? What kind of science job might interest you? Why?"
       
  • Students briefly discuss in pairs and share a few responses with the class.

1.    Hook: Show a short, engaging video clip or image about a scientific breakthrough (e.g., fighting diseases, understanding the brain). Emphasize the role of scientists in solving real-world problems.
2.    Purpose: Explain that today students will explore five fascinating careers in science: epidemiologist, neuropsychologist, toxicologist, neurobiologist, and neuroradiologist. Students will use an interactive website to learn about these careers and reflect on their interests.

1. Demonstration of Website:

• • • Open the activity website: Cool Science Careers.   
    • Navigate to the career simulation section under Imagine Yourself. Briefly demonstrate how to select a career and use the interactive features.   
    • Highlight the For Educators section, explaining that students will complete a scavenger hunt worksheet to learn key facts.

   2. Career Overview: Provide a quick description of each career:

• • Epidemiologist: Studies disease patterns and public health solutions
  • Neuropsychologist: Studies how brain function impacts behavior.
  • Toxicologist: Examines the effects of chemicals on humans and animals.
  • Neurobiologist: Studies the biology of the brain and nervous system.
  • Neuroradiologist: Uses imaging technology to diagnose brain and nervous system conditions.

1. Interactive Exploration:
   
   • Students work individually or in pairs to explore the careers on the website.
   • Distribute printed scavenger hunt worksheets from the For Educators section. Students answer questions about their selected careers while navigating the simulations.
2. Poll and Graphing Activity:
   
   • Once students finish exploring, poll the class on their favorite career choice using tools like Google Forms or a physical chart.
   • Collect responses and create a bar graph of the most and least popular career choices.  
   • Optional: Use tools like Excel or Google Sheets to involve students in the graphing process.

1. Class Discussion:  
   •  Display the bar graph and facilitate a discussion: 
     • "Which careers were most popular? Why?"
     • "What careers were less popular? What might make them more interesting?"
     •  "What did you learn about science careers that surprised you?"
2. Student Reflection:
   
   • Have students write a short paragraph:    
     • "Which career interested you the most and why? How does it connect to your skills or interests?"  
   • Collect responses as an informal assessment.

1. Career Showcase Poster: Assign students to create a digital or physical poster showcasing their favorite science career at home or in future classes.
   
   • Include details such as career description, tools/skills used, and real-world impact.
2. Next Steps: Encourage students to explore more about these careers at home using the activity website. Suggest researching local science professionals or programs for further learning.