Linking careers to skills

Another way to introduce careers in science for younger students is to use a skills-based approach.

One way of building students’ science identities from a young age is to show them how the skills they use on a daily basis link to skills that scientists need. This can highlight to students the nature of scientific research as well as increasing their science identities.

Below are some examples of key skills utilised by scientists, and how we introduce and relate them to younger students.

Problem solving

In the lab, scientists use problem solving skills to overcome challenges and make decisions. In the classroom, students might use problem solving skills in maths lessons; at home, students might use problem solving skills when playing video games.

Teamwork

In science, different scientists with different skills and expertise split up big projects into smaller areas of work. At school, students might play netball, where everyone has a different role in the team but are all working towards the same goal.

Organisation

In science, scientists need to be organised to get all their experiments done in the right order. At school, students might like to organise their stationary and colour code their notes.

What other skills can you think of that link to science and that you could use to show students how their skills link to science?