Our British Science Week 2024 event has come to a close, and what a week it was! Over 5 days, 68 schools engaged in 191 Chats, exchanging an impressive 63,023 lines of Chat. With so much going on, it’s hard to narrow down the highlights, but we’ve rounded up some of the mods’ favourite moments to share with you.
The diversity of participants made the week special. 246 scientists took part, each with unique careers and stories.
Careers were a hot topic among students, from those with clear goals to others seeking tips on where to start.
It’s encouraging to see such variation in responses – take a look at the range of jobs shared with Great Wakering Primary Academy below, and insights Michael C shared with Ursuline High School.
These Chats showed that a career path isn’t a straight line, with no one ‘right’ way to be a scientist.
“It’s super important – even the questions that seem a little intrusive into our lives are them trying to work out whether this job matches what they want their lives to look like.”
– Amy, Scientist, 2024
All week, Chats were full of inspiring conversations that captivated students, scientists, and mods alike! Refreshing (and relatable!) personal journeys, triumphs, and difficulties were shared, showing us that everyone faces challenges sometimes.
We loved these moments alongside advice and encouragement that Mod Rebecca spotted, in Chats with Our Lady’s RC High School and Park Primary School:
I always see through I’m a Scientist that learning goes both ways. It’s lovely to see enthusiastic students bringing thought-provoking ideas, especially when it leads to extra research to continue after a Chat.
A great example came from a St Bridget’s Primary School student, who worked with a scientist to tackle a problem:
Some questions really challenged the scientists, sparking lively discussions.
Many philosophical ideas seemed to come from curious younger minds – it’s great to see teachers encouraging and sharing these kinds of questions.
Malmesbury students and scientist Rachel pondered the mysteries of the cosmos, proving that we can learn plenty by asking questions and it’s ok to not know all the answers.
“Yet another fantastic chat.
As always, scientists, thank you for your time, P7s, you have done an amazing job with your questions this afternoon.
Best ever.”– Teacher, 2024
Just look at this fun challenge from St Dominic’s School!
Some big ideas need more thinking time than in a fast-paced Chat… fortunately, students followed up topics that sparked their interest, submitting over 1000 extra questions through the Ask page!
They were curious about everything, from scientists’ pets to drug development and really big-picture questions, like what even IS science anyway? I’d recommend browsing the comments on that last one – so many great insights being shared!
A huge thank you to everyone who made our British Science Week so enjoyable. To the scientists for making time to share their knowledge, the IAS team behind the scenes, and of course the ever-enthusiastic students and their teachers.
We’re delighted to note that 81% of participants were from priority schools. It’s been great to see so many students engaging, exploring what interests them, and learning there’s a place for them in science. I hope everyone enjoyed the week as much as us, but remember, celebrating science isn’t just for one week, and we’re excited about what’s to come throughout the year!