One of the things I incorporated into my science lab was a wall filled with pictures of famous scientists.
I made sure to include the ones we specifically talk about throughout the curriculum as well as scientists with whom the students are familiar and others who I think have contributed to science in a comparably significant way.
I turned my scientists into puppets by attaching a tongue depressor/popsicle stick, so I could use them in that way, if I chose. It also provided a good spot to write their names.
I also added a small piece of magnet tape to the back of each so they could stick to my white board. They were adhered to the wall with tape.
I have several dozen of these guys. And most of them are guys. Which leads to some important discussions...
When you look at the entire history of science, most (but not all) of the work has been completed by white men. We might not like it, and that might not always be the case, but that's the way it was.
I chose my scientists based on the impact they had on the scientific community, in my humble opinion. Others may choose differently.
