Kids’ views on scientists
I’m a very late with this, but I thought it made interesting, funny, illuminating and mildly depressing reading. The Science Learning Centre in London surveyed adolescents on their opinion of science and scientists.
Around 70% of the 11-15 year olds questioned said they did not picture scientists as ‘normal young and attractive men and women’ […] They found around 80% of pupils thought scientists did ‘very important work’ and 70% thought they worked ‘creatively and imaginatively’. Only 40% said they agreed that scientists did ‘boring and repetitive work’.
Among those who said they would not like to be scientists, reasons included: ‘Because you would constantly be depressed and tired and not have time for family’, and ‘because they all wear big glasses and white coats and I am female’.
[Via Boing Boing]
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Heh, you mad science-folk.
Just so happens I recently posted the absolute, low-down, final-word truth on science: linky----- I thought of being a scientist but my head was not large enough, and I didn't want to talk with an unconvincing German accent.
by ThoughtBadger @ 30/01/2006 1:02 am • Permalink •
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I know you're not normally a memey person, bsag, but you could always park this for a quiet news day?
by Mr.D. @ 30/01/2006 8:02 am • Permalink •
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It's you lab rats that give us a bad name! Over here there is a lot more outreach. We send folk out to high schools explaining what goes on and why they might study in our dept. I'm sure it affects their view of science.
by Ian @ 01/02/2006 9:03 am • Permalink •
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Sad. Sad. Sad. I feel these bad stereotypes are the MAIN reason that few girls want to become scientists.
When I was a kid in school, we were told to draw a picture of a "scientist". Most people drew an Einstein-like character, I drew a woman in a skirt and heels. I suppose that was a little bit of foreshadowing
by Val @ 01/02/2006 2:02 pm • Permalink •
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Ant: That is excellent! I might just have to print it out and pin it up on my office wall. There really ought to be an element called Explodium, and also---in a just world---Hi Cockalorum. Fantastic.
ThoughtBadger: Careful, now
. I am cultivating the 'mad scientist' hair though.
Mr. D.: Someone else also tagged me with that meme, and I'm still trying to think of interesting things to put in it. Might do it...
Ian: Actually, that kind of thing does happen over here too, but obviously not as effectively. And perhaps when we visit schools we also moan about poor pay and stress.
Val: Good for you! Not that I wear either a skirt or heels.
by bsag @ 01/02/2006 7:02 pm • Permalink •
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