I’m a Scientist connects students with real scientists online.
In the activity, students:
- Read profiles of scientists in different careers
- Ask their own questions to scientists about everything and anything
- Chat with scientists during a 40-minute, text-based live chat session
- Vote for their favourite scientist to win £500 to do more science engagement
For students of all abilities
The activity is pupil-led (students ask the questions they want to) so different age groups, ability levels, and backgrounds all get something out of it.
- Suitable for Year 5/P6 to Year 13/S6
- Primary and secondary
- Special schools, pupil referral units, and other non-mainstream educational settings
Perfect for blended learning
Everything happens online.
Students can take part from home or school – all they need is internet access.
Secure experience
No personal details are shared on the site. Only students given access by their teacher can log in. Teachers can also moderate the Chat.
All interaction is through text – there is no video or audio used – and we moderate all content.
Guide to Data and Safeguarding.
New Zones every month
Running from September to Christmas, the activity is divided into ‘zones’ with around 30 scientists in each. Zones are general science or themed, for example, a Medical Research Zone.
Each zone is typically live for four weeks.
Fits into your timetable
I’m a Scientist is a flexible online activity, running all term.
Book live chats for the dates and time that suits you. Students can log in at any point to read profiles and ask questions.
We suggest spending 2 hours on the activity – one preparation lesson, one homework and one live chat session. This can be adapted for your timetable.
Free for state-maintained, UK schools
We work with a range of organisations to offer this activity free to UK state-maintained schools and colleges.
Non-state-maintained schools, and schools outside of the UK may be asked to pay a fee to take part. More information.
Find out more:
Benefits for your students ❯
A short, sharable guide to student privacy and safeguarding [PDF] ❯
Teacher FAQs ❯
If you have any questions at all, contact teachers@imascientist.org.uk.