Teaching Ideas
#STEMLooksLikeMe
Is it possible to make a career in science and technology appealing to students and appeal to more than just the “usual suspects” in the class? We say yes!
#STEMLooksLikeMe is a different kind of career guidance. Students discover how diverse and interesting people in science-related professions are. The photos from the exhibition and accompanying teaching materials are available for download here! The activity “People in STEM” highlights stereotypical ideas, expands on them, and places them in a reflective context. The activity “Me and the Role Models” helps girls in particular to identify with people in STEM professions. It is also suitable for mixed classes!
4 questions. 7 people. In an interview without words, they talk about their STEM* profession, their strengths, and how they became who they are. #STEMLooksLikeMe in a nutshell.
Goal
Get students, especially girls, excited about STEM
Expand stereotypical ideas about people in STEM professions
Target group & format
Classes and groups of students aged 14 and above
Two independent activities, each lasting one lesson
Suitable for science, technology, or career orientation lessons
Teaching materials
Quick and easy to download here:
A4 or A3 color prints of the #STEMLooksLikeMe photos, possibly laminated (1 set of 28 images / small group)
Corresponding teaching activities
Or teaching box will be sent to you
Contains entire photo exhibition in A4 format. Request a free box at: magdalena.bauer@ist.ac.at
Downloads (Material only available in German)
Why #STEMLooksLikeMe?
Those who choose a STEM* career choose the opportunity to shape society and the best conditions for a self-determined life. However, many young people, especially girls, still perceive STEM careers as a “masculine” path that is not an attractive option for them. There is a lack of female role models, and one-sided ideas about what “STEM people” do and how they should look prevail.
#STEMLooksLikeMe shows 7 people (6 women + 1 non-binary person) in and around scientific research in aesthetic photo portraits. The portraits answer questions about their STEM identity, their strengths, and personal challenges. The models, who all work at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), represent diversity in terms of profession, style, origin, and gender identity. What unites them is their passion for STEM.
With #STEMLooksLikeMe, girls and other young people are given an opportunity to identify with breaking stereotypes.
* STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
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