Who are the scientists we have been learning about during our schooling? Who is missing from this learning? What could change about our learning process in science?

Answer 1

Most of the scientists we learn about in the classroom are Nobel prize winners. However, often times focusing on these Nobel prize winners leads to overshadowing the work done by countless students and research assistants. It also leads to a lack of diversity being seen in science. Only 6% of Nobel laureates are women (• Chart: The Nobel Prize Gender Gap | Statista), and nearly all have been white. Instead of encouraging young minds to enter science, this Nobel prize inequality makes many young scientists feel that they have no chance of being listed among those considered to be the greatest in their field.

One specific example is the Nobel prize awarded to James Watson and Francis Crick for their efforts in solving the chemical structure of DNA, the genetic material that instructs our cells how to look and act. However, it was in fact Rosalind Franklin that performed the X-ray photographic work that likely served as the basis for Watson and Crick's structure (Chemical structure of DNA discovered - HISTORY). However, it is Watson and Crick that we still learn about today, rather than the woman that performed the work that they relied upon for their conclusions.

Answer 2

Pick your favorite topic so far in your science class. Then, type that topic into Google along with the word "scientists." You'll find some of the names familiar because they were mentioned in your textbook, but the more recent scientists or those that did not contribute as much will be new to you. Why do you think that is?