Reading and Writing about Science Heroes for High School Students

Students learn about science heroes as they read these curated stories using the links on the left.

Active Reading Active note taking helps students focus on finding information and answers. Note taking can take the form of outlines, Cornell notes, mind maps or other forms of information organization. This is a good opportunity to authentically present these systems and develop their uses.

Students compare and contrast two of these stories either individually or as pairs. Students create a Venn Diagram or 3 column chart to find what characteristics, decisions, actions, beliefs, ideals, goals, etc. the two heroes have in common and what important differences make their stories different.

After reading a story, students make a connection to their life. How did the story make you feel? What would happen if more people acted this way? How did the scientist make a positive difference in the world? Why are they important? How does the story inspire you? How has the story changed the way you feel or think about a topic?

Students are invited to share the story of a science hero with MY HERO using the Create Program. One way to integrate this activity with science is to have students read a biography or research someone they consider a science hero. Have students take notes or provide a graphic organizer for note-taking. After reading the book, students write a or multi-paragraph essay about this hero. This is a great way for an interdisciplinary unit combining science with language arts. 

For additional stories highlighting Scientist Heroes, visit the MY HERO Scientist Library.

Scientist Hero Stories 

Sylvia Earle

Carl Sagan

Rokhaya Gueye

Katherine Johnson

Jonas Salk