Classroom posters: STEM stars who learn and think differently

Students who have trouble with subjects like math and science may think that a STEM career is not for them. But in fact, many leaders in STEM learn and think differently. Teach your students success stories about scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals with ADHD and learning differences. You can start by downloading these mini-posters. 

The posters feature leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. As kids, they struggled in school. Today these STEM stars are celebrated for their creativity, perseverance, and success in their fields. 

Download the STEM stars posters

Click the link to download and print the mini-posters of STEM stars. 

Get the STEM stars posters in Spanish.

Get lesson ideas 

Check out these ideas for using the posters in your classroom. 

Lead a discussion. Have students think about how learning and thinking differently may be a strength when it comes to creating new technology. Ask questions like “What kind of skills does it take to be able to create a self-driving car?” Use the poster to talk about the people who achieved these advancements. 

Try a gallery walk. Display multiple copies of the posters around your classroom (either on desks or on the walls). Have students move around to each poster, taking notes about two or three of their favorite STEM stars. Give students options for note-taking, like using voice notes or drawing pictures. Then have students share their notes in pairs or small groups.

Make posters. Ask students to create their own STEM stars poster. They can create a poster about one of the stars on the printable. Or they can find another STEM star of their choice. Display the posters and invite students to share why they chose their STEM star.

Do some research. Ask students to pick one of the STEM stars to do further research on. Give them options for presenting their findings to the class. For example, students could give a speech, draw a picture, or make a pamphlet. Encourage students to reflect on the impact the STEM star’s learning or thinking difference had on their success.

Related resources

Looking for more STEM resources for your classroom? 

• Listen to a podcast episode about a STEM educator with learning and thinking differences. 

• Check out our full collection of STEM resources.

• Learn more about learning and thinking differences.