Overview

DMD students worked in production teams to create biographical Story Cards which profile  local professionals from underrepresented groups in the field of STEM; the content of each Story Card features the STEM professional’s motivation, as well as the challenges and highlights of their career path.

Project Initiation

Students investigated underrepresentation in STEM through analysis of NSF’s report “Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering” and “Draw a Scientist” studies. Students concluded that people are more likely to pursue STEM if they have a mentor of similar gender/ethnicity. To help solve the problem of underrepresentation, students interviewed STEM professionals and created Story Cards for the community so that more people will see themselves reflected in STEM. 

Project Exploration and Development

In Physics, students used statistical information from the NSF's 2017 report to define underrepresentation in STEM. Students then analyzed the questionnaire responses of our STEM professionals and using the qualitative data, created infographics. In production teams, students participated in and filmed interviews with their STEM professionals. In American Literature, students used the interviews to create innovative narratives for each STEM professional- capturing their motivation, struggles, and highlights.  In U.S. History, students researched historical figures and events that broke barriers for underrepresented populations, which the students then crafted into timelines. Finally, the students translated all of their content into infographics and Story Cards in Multimedia.

Project Revision and Exhibition

Students received multiple rounds of feedback from their STEM professionals and teachers, which students then used to revise their content.  Students will participate in an end of the year Defense of Learning using the project work as their evidence. Students had planned to share their Story Cards at the Linda Vista Multicultural Fair, and with local community organizations, and schools. Their work will still be shared with our community through a virtual showcase with the Fleet Science Center. 

Teachers and Subjects

Peri Kost - American Literature
Blair Hatch - Multimedia Production
Zach Robson - U.S. History
Kriss Thompson - Physics

Story Cards