I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here! is an online STEM enrichment activity where students connect with real working scientists and talk about the things that really matter to them, making science real.

“I thought scientists just looked like they do in the film Flubber… when I found out they liked Taylor Swift I realised they are more down to earth and not like a mad scientist.”
Student, Osmium Zone

 

 
In the activity, students:

• ASK their own questions to scientists about everything and anything — questions range from robots to transplants to pizza toppings.
• have conversations with scientists during a 30-minute, text-based live CHAT.
• choose the winner — they VOTE for their favourite scientist to win a prize of £500 for further science communication.

Why take part?

Students discover that scientists are normal people, too, with hobbies and interests similar to their own. They learn how their science lessons relate to real life and the world around them, and become more engaged in their school work.

Students will connect with scientists from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, helping them see all the STEM careers available to them and increasing participation in higher education as well as making science come alive in your classroom.

The online activity uses technology that students are familiar and comfortable with, meaning those who might be too shy to speak up in class are able to do so in the I’m a Scientist environment.

“Many of our students lack confidence in their academic ability so they were buzzing when they realised they can hold their own in a conversation with intelligent, educated people and this helped them realise they are all scientists too!”
Julia Anderson, FE College Biology Lecturer

Read More Teacher Case Studies

 

How do I apply?

Fill in the registration form on this page and we’ll email you before the start of the next activity to ask if you want to take part with your students (on mobile? Scroll down).

How much time will it take?

We provide all the resources and materials needed, whether you’re running I’m a Scientist with just one class or a whole year group; including suggested lesson plans and modifications to suit different students’ abilities.

We recommend spending at least 2 hours on the event. This will usually be one introductory lesson, one piece of homework (we suggest reading scientists’ profiles and posting questions in ASK) and one lesson of live chat with the scientists.

Be warned: most teachers, when asked what they would do differently next time, said ‘spend more time on I’m a Scientist’.

 

How much does it cost?

Each event we work with a range of organisations to offer fully-funded places to UK state-maintained schools and colleges.

If we receive more applications than we have places available, we have to prioritise applications. Read more on how we prioritise schools.

Non-state-maintained schools, and schools outside of the UK may be asked to pay a fee to take part. More information here.

 

Need more information?

Check out our full FAQs for teachers or get in touch directly: email michaela@mangorol.la or call 01225 326 892.