The Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Careers Guidance highlight the importance of linking curriculum learning to careers, yet many teachers face the challenge of fitting meaningful careers education into an already crowded curriculum.
The
Scientists Making a Difference book and supporting teaching resources have been created by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Imperial College London and What on Earth! Books to help schools address this challenge quickly and easily.
The book features 47 diverse scientists working across a wide range of STEM careers, alongside a comprehensive teacher resource pack. Designed for use with students aged 11–16, the resources provide curriculum-linked activities that enable teachers to embed STEM careers into existing science lessons with minimal planning required.
All UK state-funded secondary schools received free copies of the book and teacher resource pack in September 2026. You can also access a digital copy of the teaching resources at www.scientists-making-a-difference.com.
This practical session will introduce attendees to the
Scientists Making a Difference resources and demonstrate how they can be used within existing schemes of work. Covering varied lesson activities, worksheets, presentations and curriculum mapping documents, the session will walk you through how the resources can not only help schools in achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Careers Guidance, but also inspire students through contemporary examples of scientists who’ve undertaken a variety of career pathways.
Attendees will leave with:
- a clear understanding of how to access and use the Scientists Making a Difference resources, to integrate STEM careers education into science lessons.
- Increased confidence in supporting careers education through the curriculum.
There will be opportunities for discussion and questions throughout the session, and attendees will all receive a hard copy of the teacher guide to support implementation within their own schools.
The session is underpinned by the evidence base that informed the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Careers Guidance, particularly Benchmark 4: Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers. Research has highlighted the importance of helping young people understand the relevance of curriculum subjects to future education and employment pathways.
Scientists Making a Difference has been created by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Imperial College London and What on Earth! publishing to provide practical, curriculum-linked resources that support schools in embedding STEM careers within secondary science teaching.
