The Event

What is the event?

I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! is an online event where students get to meet and interact with real scientists. It’s an Australian Idol meets Masterchef-style competition between the scientists, where your students are the judges.

Students submit questions which the scientists will try to answer by the next day. Students then have live online MSN-style chats with the scientists, where they ask questions, learn more about the scientists, and let scientists know their opinions. It takes place online over a two week period.

Students can:

ASK questions

CHAT to scientists online

Then VOTE for the one they think deserves the prize

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How does the event work?

What’s involved?: Your students interact with real scientists online and learn about science as a human endeavour with targeted resources (and by talking to real scientists!). It engages students who aren’t usually interested in science because it’s real and they get a say over something.

Target audience: Year 8-9s but it’s flexible to accommodate Year 5-12.

Time involved: The event is very flexible, but we recommend a minimum of three 1 hour lessons spent on I’m a Scientist. Most teachers spend 4-6 lessons. If you use everything there is enough material for about 12 lessons. The event itself lasts for two weeks, but the full site will be online for one week beforehand so that you can do background work.

Dates for 2014

  • We are currently seeking partners for 4th – 15th August 2014

In our recent event back in August-September 2013 we hosted 3 zones (15 scientists, 63 classes).

We find that teachers are able to make much more of the event when taking part for the second time, as they have a better idea what to expect and how students will react. Therefore, we recommend taking part the first time with one or two classes.

Open to all schools, or other educational settings, in Australia. The event has been successfully used in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: in mainstream schools, sixth form colleges, special schools, pupil referral units and other non-mainstream educational settings. It may sound like we are claiming it’s the magic event that can do everything, but the activity is very flexible because so much of the activity is student-led (e.g. they ask the questions they want to). This means different age groups, ability levels, and backgrounds all get something out of it.

How does the event support the curriculum?

I’m a Scientist is designed to help teachers deliver curriculum related to “science as a human endeavour” and bring real science to life for your students.

  • Develops discussion and critical thinking skills.
  • Gets students engaged with science.
  • Gets students enthusiastic about their science lessons!
  • Supported by lesson plans, info sheets, and resources.

As one teacher from the UK program told us, “They worked really hard during this event, but they didn’t seem to think of it as work.”

Want to know more?

Register your interest for future events!