Lesson Plan
Meet the Scientist Squad Plan
Students will explore and identify six types of scientists—biologists, chemists, physicists, geologists, astronomers, and meteorologists—understanding their roles and contributions to the world by the end of the lesson.
This lesson connects science concepts to real-world careers, fosters STEM awareness, and sparks curiosity about different fields of scientific study.
Audience
5th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive slide presentation followed by collaborative matching and reflection.
Materials
- Scientist Squad Slide Deck, - Scientist Role Cards, - Scientist Observation Worksheet, - Scientist Squad Exit Tickets, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Timer or Stopwatch
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Scientist Squad Slide Deck and role cards to familiarize yourself with each scientist type.
- Print and cut out the Scientist Role Cards.
- Make copies of the Scientist Observation Worksheet.
- Print the Scientist Squad Exit Tickets.
- Arrange chart paper and markers at the front of the room.
- Test the slideshow and set up the timer or stopwatch.
Step 1
Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Engage students by asking “What do scientists do?” and record responses on chart paper.
- Introduce the “Scientist Squad” theme and explain that they will meet six types of scientists today.
Step 2
Scientist Squad Presentation
10 minutes
- Display the Scientist Squad Slide Deck.
- For each scientist type (biologist, chemist, physicist, geologist, astronomer, meteorologist):
- Show image and title slide.
- Describe their field of study and share a real-world example.
- Prompt students to give additional examples or questions.
Step 3
Guided Practice
8 minutes
- Divide students into small groups of 3–4.
- Provide each group with a set of Scientist Role Cards.
- Instruct groups to match each card to the correct scientist type based on the descriptions discussed.
- Circulate and support groups, clarifying any misconceptions.
Step 4
Assessment
5 minutes
- Distribute the Scientist Observation Worksheet.
- Students individually list two scientist types and write one sentence about what each studies.
- Collect worksheets to review understanding and provide quick feedback.
Step 5
Cool-Down
2 minutes
- Ask each student to write one new fact or question on the Scientist Squad Exit Tickets.
- Collect exit tickets as students leave and quickly scan responses for insights or follow-up.
Slide Deck
Meet the Scientist Squad
Discover six incredible types of scientists and why their work matters!
Welcome students! Introduce the lesson: “Today we’re meeting our Scientist Squad and discovering what each one studies.”
Lesson Objective
By the end of today, you will:
- Identify six types of scientists
- Describe what each scientist studies
- Share real-world examples of their work
Point to each bullet as you read. Emphasize the goal of our lesson.
Biologist
Studies living things—plants, animals, and ecosystems.
Example: A wildlife biologist tracks endangered species to protect habitats.
Show an image of a rainforest or microscopes. Ask: “Have you ever watched wildlife or studied plants?”
Chemist
Investigates substances and reactions at the molecular level.
Example: A food chemist develops new flavors and healthy snacks.
Show a beaker or lab photo. Ask: “What experiments have you seen in TV shows or in class?”
Physicist
Explores the laws of nature—motion, energy, and forces.
Example: A medical physicist designs X-ray machines for hospitals.
Display a physics experiment video still. Ask: “What laws of motion can you name?”
Geologist
Studies Earth—rocks, soil, and landforms.
Example: A seismologist monitors earthquakes to keep communities safe.
Show rock layers or a volcano image. Ask: “What do you think is inside the Earth?”
Astronomer
Examines stars, planets, and galaxies beyond Earth.
Example: An astrophysicist studies black holes and the evolution of the universe.
Project a galaxy or telescope photo. Ask: “What mysteries are in outer space?”
Meteorologist
Forecasts weather and studies atmospheric phenomena.
Example: A storm chaser collects data on hurricanes to improve warnings.
Show weather map or radar image. Ask: “How do you decide what to wear when it’s stormy?”
Your Turn!
Which scientist interests you most?
Write one new fact you learned or a question you still have.
Encourage students to think and share at their tables. Collect exit tickets after.
Activity
Scientist Role Cards
Use these cards in your Guided Practice activity. Print and cut out each card so students can match the description to the correct scientist.
1. Biologist
Description: Studies living things—plants, animals, and ecosystems. Biologists observe wildlife, track species, and help protect habitats.
Image Prompt: Illustration of a wildlife biologist in a green forest, wearing binoculars and holding a field notebook, observing birds in the trees.
2. Chemist
Description: Investigates substances and chemical reactions at the molecular level. Chemists mix compounds, develop new materials, and create products like medicines and snacks.
Image Prompt: Photo of a scientist wearing safety goggles, pouring colorful liquids from one beaker into another on a lab bench with test tubes and Bunsen burner in the background.
3. Physicist
Description: Explores the laws of nature—motion, energy, and forces. Physicists conduct experiments to understand how the universe works, from gravity to electricity.
Image Prompt: Diagram-style illustration of a physicist demonstrating a pendulum experiment, with arrows showing motion and a glowing energy field around the pendulum bob.
4. Geologist
Description: Studies Earth—rocks, soil, and landforms. Geologists examine rock layers, map volcanoes, and monitor earthquakes to keep people safe.
Image Prompt: Photo of a geologist wearing a hard hat and holding a rock hammer, kneeling beside colorful rock strata on a cliff face under a sunny sky.
5. Astronomer
Description: Examines stars, planets, and galaxies beyond Earth. Astronomers use telescopes and satellites to uncover cosmic mysteries like black holes and nebulae.
Image Prompt: Digital art of an astronomer at a large observatory telescope, looking up at a starry sky with a vivid Milky Way arching overhead.
6. Meteorologist
Description: Forecasts weather and studies atmospheric phenomena. Meteorologists track storms, analyze weather maps, and warn communities about severe weather.
Image Prompt: Illustration of a meteorologist pointing at a colorful weather radar screen, with icons showing rain, lightning, and temperature gradients.
Use these cards in small groups. Have students read each description and decide which scientist matches it. Then discuss real-world examples of each role!
Worksheet
Scientist Observation Worksheet
Think back to today’s Scientist Squad lesson. Choose two types of scientists you learned about and answer the questions below.
1st Scientist
Scientist Type:
What this scientist studies:
Write one sentence describing why this work is important:
2nd Scientist
Scientist Type:
What this scientist studies:
Write one sentence describing why this work is important:
Reflection
Which scientist would you most like to learn more about and why?
Cool Down
Scientist Squad Exit Tickets
Thank you for exploring the Scientist Squad today! Please complete both prompts before you leave.
1. One new fact I learned today:
2. One question I still have: