According to a recent research study, language plays a crucial role in developing children’s interest in science activities. It negatively impacts their desire to pursue STEM careers. Researchers found that the typical phrase many adults use, “Let’s be scientists today,” may not effectively encourage children—especially girls—to engage with science. They want you to start saying “Let’s do science.” Shifting toward this approach can help foster a more inclusive, empowering environment for all children.
The research found four-year-old girls to be significantly more persistent in science-based tasks. They reacted more positively when prompted with say “Let’s do science” rather than “Let’s be scientists. It’s amazing how such a simple, subtle change in wording seems to have such a huge impact on how children see themselves and their role in pursuing science. The expression “Let’s act like scientists” is often elitist. “Let’s do science” invites all of us in, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.
By the time girls reach first grade, many report a decreased interest in fields such as computer science and engineering. Perhaps not surprisingly, this decrease in interest matches up with the tone and wording during their initial outreach. The language that adults choose can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes about who has the potential to become a scientist. This can dampen children’s aspirations and damage their self-esteem.
Stereotyping does not just reinforce interests and abilities, but has cumulative effects on children’s development. As the NASEM report points out, equal opportunity to persist in STEM isn’t ensured—girls in the 80th percentile of science ability are equally likely to select non-STEM high school majors. Even girls when compared to boys in the lowest percentile. This information further emphasizes the need to create a culture that promotes activity, with no differences between males and females.
The language that adults use has a powerful effect on how children view science. Additionally, it informs them about their place in the broader scope of science. The title “Let’s be scientists” suggests that everyone else cannot afford to be science. This can create a chilling effect, rendering everyone outside that narrow band of acceptance to the right automatically excluded. “Let’s do science” is open to all. It promotes inquiry and imagination, beyond the limits of who you are.
By reframing the conversation around science, even parents who aren’t scientists can help foster an encouraging atmosphere at home that will invite exploration and discovery. The tagline that #ScistarterTBB uses—“Let’s do science”—invites anyone and everyone to participate. It advances the broader goal of increasing inclusivity within STEM disciplines. It encourages children to view science as an activity open to everyone rather than a label they must earn or qualify for.
The impacts of this research go well beyond the classroom and imagine a much broader, civic-minded, democratic citizenry. All parents, educators, and caregivers to inquisitive children must always be conscious of the misleading phrases they use while speaking about science with a young audience. By adopting more inclusive language, they can better encourage a future generation. This method provides a free space for developing scientific thought and inquiry to flourish without fear.
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