Science becomes more relatable

By taking part in I’m a Scientist students can:

• See real-life examples and applications of science
• Learn about the transferability of science and science qualifications
• See scientists as normal people (not ‘elite geniuses’) with hobbies, interests, pets, and families

Read case studies from teachers who have taken part ❯

Supporting students’ science capital

Science capital is a measure of a person’s personal relationship with science. It relates to how much they see the subject as ‘for them’.

I’m a Scientist supports the Science Capital Teaching Approach, where:

• Students become more aware of the diversity of, nature of, and routes into STEM jobs
• We challenge the misconceptions that a job in science is all-consuming and based in a lab

More on how I’m a Scientist boosts students’ science capital

Students discover new careers

• Students connect with scientists from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines, and industries
• They hear about new STEM careers and opportunities in Higher Education
• I’m a Scientist supports 7 of the 8 Gatsby Careers Benchmarks

Every student is equal

• Text-based live Chats mean that all students have an equal chance of being answered:
  • “It helps [to see] students in a different light. Some who are normally very quiet in school became very active in the chat.” – Teacher
• Students gain confidence through asking questions.

More about the advantages of text-based interactions

Accessible to every school

• Schools within 15 minutes’ drive of a university are twice as likely to receive a visit from a university scientist than those 30 minutes or more away.
• I’m a Scientist is online, so you can access it from anywhere.
• Read more about how distance matters
• More about our commitment to underserved and widening participation schools

It’s backed by research:

• I’m a Scientist supports the Science Capital Teaching Approach
• Taking part supports students’ science capital
• It’s secure, safe and you’re in control: Only students who’ve been given access by their teacher can log in to the Zone
• No personal details are shared on the site, and student content is moderated. Read our safeguarding statement ❯
• You get to see which students have logged in and what questions they’ve asked
• You can download transcripts of live chat sessions

Everything’s designed for easy, online access:

• Signing up is quick and easy
• Students can log in at any time to read scientists’ profiles and send questions in Ask
• Students create their own username using a link you create. This will take them around 10 minutes; send it to them the day before your chat, or earlier
• You book Chats for times that suit you and your students.
• Watch the video guides to see what it’s like to take part

It’s free for state-maintained schools:

• Places in our activities are fully funded for state-maintained schools
• That means most schools don’t have to pay
• Non-state-maintained schools may be asked to pay a fee to take part.
  Find out more ❯