I’m a Scientist has been designed so that other teachers can run the activity, even if they didn’t book it themselves. If you booked on behalf of another teacher, pass this document on to them.
Login cards for the students (these should be supplied by teacher who booked the Chat)
Computers, laptops, or tablets for the students (per student or one in pairs)
📖 You could use the script below to introduce the activity to your students:
Students, today we are taking part in an I’m a Scientist Chat. Scientists have been invited to come and chat with us online, through typed conversations. You can ask them questions about their work, their time at school or their hobbies – any question you like! We’re doing this to develop our:
Subject knowledge
Question formation
Careers understanding
Online behaviour skills
We’ll have half an hour to chat with the scientists. First, we need to log in. I am going to hand out a login card with a pre-made username and password. Log in with that information, then click ‘Chat’.
The moderator will explain how the Chat works. Make sure to check the replies you and your classmates get. After we have finished the Chat, the school will receive a transcript of the whole Chat, deleted messages and all.
After the Chat, you will have 5 minutes to ask any follow-up questions that you have. The moderator will give us a link to the Ask page. You can also vote for your favourite scientist. The winner at the end of the year will receive £500.
Click the ‘Chat’ button at the top of the page (like this one ➡️)
The Chat will open 5 minutes before it is due to start. The moderator will be there to give instructions and make sure that the Chat runs smoothly throughout.
🖨️ After the Chat:
The Chat will finish and students can no longer send messages, but scientists might continue replying to unanswered questions.
Ask: Students can answer any follow-up questions they have by clicking ‘Ask’ at the top of the page
Vote: Students can choose who deserves their vote by clicking ‘Vote’ at the top of the page
Reflect: The 5-minute plenary activity supports students to reflect on their learning from the Chat
Should you have any questions, or need a hand with anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at support@imascientist.org.uk or by calling (+44) 01225 667922.
