Children's attitudes towards science
Did you know that drawings children sent to Nysgjerrigper in the 1990s generally depicted male scientists in laboratory situations? None of the drawings showed female scientists at work.
More than a decade later, female scientists are represented in new material. In fact, almost 30 per cent of the drawings depict female scientists in different research situations. Interestingly, boys also draw female scientists. As Maren, age 8, says: "There are finally women scientists. Maybe I can be a scientist some day?"
Nysgjerrigper, in collaboration with the Norwegian Space Centre, launched the "Draw a scientist" competition in February 2005. More than 250 drawings were submitted. Each month, people could vote for a monthly winner. Ultimately, the best drawing independent of the monthly results was chosen by represents from Nysgjerrigper and the Norwegian Space Centre. The winner received his award during the annual Astronomy festival in November 2005.
The "Draw a scientist" website
Click here to view information about the competition in English and all the drawings!
"Draw a scientist" exhibition
An exhibition of the drawings has been made. Click here to view the drawings used for the exhibition.
By Marianne Løken
Last modified: 05.01.2006